BMI, CRP level tied to extraintestinal manifestations in children with IBD

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with body mass index (BMI) in the lower or upper quartile, lower haemoglobin level, and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level, among others, a recent study has shown.

“Identification of risk factors at IBD diagnosis may help healthcare providers to predict EIM in children with IBD and to improve their management for lessening morbidity and enhancing quality of life (QOL),” the authors said.

A retrospective review was conducted on medical records of children with IBD. The authors then recorded EIMs present prior to diagnosis and those detected during follow-up. A total of 100 children (median age, 13.9 years; range, 11.9–15.2) were included.

Of the participants, 46 had EIM, including 10 whose EIM was present before diagnosis and 26 during follow-up. The most common EIM was aphthous stomatitis (18 percent), followed by arthralgia (14 percent), dermatologic manifestations (8 percent), and arthritis (6 percent).

The following risk factors for EIM were identified during follow-up: BMI in the lower or upper quartile (hazard ratio [HR], 9.30 and 23.71, respectively; p<0.001), moderate-to-severe disease activity (HR, 4.43; p<0.001), extensive Crohn’s disease (HR, 3.43; p=0.025), lower haemoglobin level (HR, 2.29; p<0.001), lower albumin level (HR, 2.86; p=0.029), and higher CRP level (HR, 1.04; p<0.001) at diagnosis.

“EIMs are common complications of IBD associated with morbidity and reduced QOL,” the authors said.