Journal of clinical medicine
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
This study describes how IBD presents and early outcomes in children at a tertiary center, noting high rates of inflammation, nutritional problems, and early flares. Findings may help families and clinicians understand common presentations and the importance of early follow-up and multidisciplinary care.
Who Should Pay Attention
Pediatric patients and their caregivers, pediatric gastroenterologists and clinic teams, and clinicians involved in initial diagnosis and management of childhood IBD.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This retrospective cohort from a tertiary center in Lebanon reviewed 88 pediatric IBD patients (2013–2023) and analyzed early treatment outcomes for 81. Crohn's disease comprised 62.5% of cases; mean age at diagnosis was ~11 years. Presenting features commonly included abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hematochezia; nearly half had malnutrition.
About 60% achieved clinical remission after initial treatment. A prior personal history of autoimmune/inflammatory disease was associated with persistent symptoms, and starting corticosteroids at diagnosis was associated with early clinical remission, though the authors caution that retrospective design and confounding by indication limit causal conclusions.
The cohort had extensive disease and frequent flares, highlighting needs for early risk stratification and multidisciplinary care. The study is retrospective and observational, using chart review and validated pediatric activity indices; outcomes focused on early remission and early disease course.
Data reflect a single tertiary center in Lebanon and may not generalize to other settings. The reported association between initial steroid use and remission is associative, not proof of benefit. Use this as descriptive information about presentation and early course of pediatric IBD in this center rather than treatment guidance.
Discuss individual treatment decisions with a pediatric gastroenterology clinician.
Keep In Mind
Retrospective single-center design, potential confounding by indication for treatment associations, and regional patient population limit generalizability. The article provides an abstract-level summary of methods and outcomes rather than a detailed randomized comparison.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationJournal of clinical medicine
AuthorsDaoud T, Khafaja S, Hanna-Wakim R +1 more
Study typeJournal article
Indexed viaEurope PMC
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedJun 30, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Similarities and differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Patients with IBD or new symptoms should understand that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can look very similar but affect different parts of the gut and may require different treatments. Accurate diagnosis matters...
Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis in College
Starting college brings new routines, living situations, and social pressures that can affect IBD management. Practical planning around food, medications, stress, and support can help reduce the risk of flares and make...
Fatigue Highly Prevalent in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fatigue affects a large majority of pediatric IBD patients and is linked to worse quality of life even when disease is in remission, so it’s a common problem families and clinicians will likely encounter. Understanding...