Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients Living in Europe: Results of the EuroPedHP Registry 2013 to 2016.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, antibiotic susceptibility and treatment success of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected pediatric patients. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2016, 23 pediatric hospitals from 17 countries prospectively submitted data on consecutive H. pylori-infected (culture positive) patients to the EuroPedHP-Registry. RESULTS: Of 1333 patients recruited (55.1% girls, median age 12.6 years), 1168 (87.6%) were therapy naïve (group A) and 165 (12.4%) had failed treatment (group B). Patients resided in North/Western (29.6%), Southern (34.1%) and Eastern Europe (23.0%), or Israel/Turkey (13.4%). Main indications for endoscopy were abdominal pain or dyspepsia (81.2%, 1078/1328). Antral nodularity was reported in 77.8% (1031/1326) of patients, gastric or duodenal ulcers and erosions in 5.1% and 12.8%, respectively. Primary resistance to clarithromycin (CLA) and metronidazole (MET) occurred in 25% and 21%, respectively, and increased after failed therapy. Bacterial strains were fully susceptible in 60.5% of group A, but in only 27.4% of group B. Primary CLA resistance was higher in Southern and Eastern Europe (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22-5.32, P < 0.001 and 2.62, 95% CI: 1.63-4.22, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with Northern/Western Europe. Children born outside Europe showed higher primary MET resistance (ORadj = 3.81, 95% CI: 2.25-6.45, P < 0.001). Treatment success in group A reached only 79.8% (568/712) with 7 to 14 days triple therapy tailored to antibiotic susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: Peptic ulcers are rare in dyspeptic H. pylori-infected children. Primary resistance to CLA and MET is markedly dependent on geographical regions of birth and residence. The ongoing survey will show whether implementation of the updated ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines will improve the eradication success.

Immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the immune response rate in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who received the full hepatitis B vaccination course in infancy. We also evaluated rates of response to booster doses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were 1- to 18-year-old children with IBD, who received 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine in infancy. The study subjects were on no immunosuppressive therapy, on immunomodulators, on biological therapy, or received combo therapy. Anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) level ≥ 10 mIU/ml was considered to be seroprotective. Patients with anti-HBs level < 10 mIU/ml received 1 or 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine, and their post-vaccination anti-HBs levels were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, we included 157 subjects, with a median age of 14.5 years. Anti-HBs levels ≥ 10 mIU/ml were found in 84/157 (53.5%) patients and were not associated with age (p = 0.3), sex (p = 0.7), or IBD type (p = 0.9). There was no significant difference in the rate of seroconversion between IBD patients treated with no immunosuppressive drugs, immunomodulators, biologicals, and combo therapy (30.4% vs. 39.3% vs. 2.7% vs. 7.1%, respectively, p = 0.3). After the first and third dose of booster vaccine, anti-HBs levels ≥ 10 mIU/ml were as follows: 92% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The immune response in children with IBD, who received the full series of hepatitis B vaccinations in infancy was inadequate and did not depend on the type of therapy. The booster dose(s) of vaccine could help to protect this group of patients from hepatitis B virus.

A Link between Nutritional and Growth States in Pediatric Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate nutritional status and growth status of pediatric patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and to examine the relationship between nutritional status and linear growth in these children. STUDY DESIGN: In total, 102 pediatric patients diagnosed with functional constipation (FC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or functional abdominal pain (FAP) in years 2013-2015 were subjected to anthropometric measurements. Anthropometry comprised body height, leg and trunk lengths, body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and 3 skinfold thicknesses. Body fat percentage was obtained with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Indices of the nutritional status and body proportions were calculated and adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: Excessive body weight and excessive fatness were the most common in children with IBS. Being underweight was most common in children with FAP, but fat deficiency was similarly frequent in the FAP and in FC groups. Short stature was the most common in children with FC. Children with IBS were the best nourished and the tallest for age and sex due to increased trunk length. Body height and linear body proportions adjusted for age and sex were positively associated with body weight and body fatness in the total sample. CONCLUSIONS: Children with FGIDs present various linear growth abnormalities that are associated with body weight and body fatness. Although excessive body weight and body fat are common in children with IBS, pediatricians should be aware of the risk of malnutrition in children with other FGIDs.

[New recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults].

Besides gastro-esophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), is the most frequently diagnosed chronic inflammatory disease both in children and adults. Clinical symptoms depend on the age of the patient and the time of the disease. In infants and younger children feeding disturbances, physical development retardation, vomiting and abdominal pain are most frequent. Difficulty in solid food swallowing, food impaction in the esophagus and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms in older children and adults. In the endoscopic study of the esophagus, esophagitis, rings and esophageal stricture may be visible. Traits of chronic inflammation and eosinophilic infiltration are present in histologic examination. In the year 2017, an international experts' working group, headed by A.J. Lucendo, under the auspices of UEG - United European Gastroenterology, ESPGHAN - European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, EAACI - European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, EUREOS - European Society of Eosinophilic Oesophagitis, elaborated diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for eosinophilic esophagitis using the GRADE method (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). The international experts' group included gastroenterologists, aerologists, pediatricians, laryngologists, pathologists and epidemiologists. The wide spectrum of specialists in various fields made it possible to consider various aspects of the disease in their recommendations.

[Ganglioneuroblastoma in a child with chronic abdominal pain - a case report].

Chronic abdominal pain is a very common complaint in the population of children and adolescents. In most cases, the usual cause are functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, in a few percent of children, the reason for persistent chronic stomach pain are organic diseases occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as parenteral diseases, including uro-genital tract abnormalities, inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and cancer processes. Among organic causes, in addition to those commonly encountered, such as: intolerances and food allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis or duodenitis, or urinary tract infections, the diagnosis should also include very rare causes, for example, neoplastic diseases, among them tumors of the abdominal cavity. In the case described in the present article, a 6-year-old girl with chronic abdominal pain, symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux and constipation, and previously diagnosed food allergy and lactose intolerance, was referred for widening the diagnosics due to the occurrence of alarm symptoms. The nodule revealed in the chest X-ray, in CT scan, turned out to be a paravertebral tumor with the specific features of neuroblastoma. After a macroscopically complete tumor resection based on the result of histopathological examination, the diagnosis of ganglineuroblastoma was established. The presence of alarm symptoms in anamnesis and physical examination in children with abdominal pain suggests a higher probability of the organic origin of the disease and should always lead to extended diagnostics. Ganglioneuroblastoma is a very rare disease, in most cases is located primarily in the abdominal cavity, and the most common associated symptom is abdominal pain.

[Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. The Rome IV criteria]. / Zaburzenia czynnosciowe przewodu pokarmowego u dzieci i mlodziezy. IV Kryteria Rzymskie.

In the work diagnostic criteria of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years are presented. The criteria were elaborated by experienced experts in pediatrics and gastroenterology and were presented on Digestive Disease Week in San Diego in 2016 as modified IV Rome Criteria. In the work the following functional disorders are discussed: cyclic vomiting syndrome, functional nausea and vomiting, rumination syndrome, aerophagia, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, functional abdominal pain - not otherwise specified, functional constipation, nonretentive fecal incontinence.

[Functional gastrointestinal disorders in neonate and toddler. The Rome IV criteria]. / Zaburzenia czynnosciowe przewodu pokarmowego u niemowlat i malych dzieci. IV Kryteria Rzymskie.

Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in infants and children are very frequent. To the most common belong: infant colic, regurgitation and functional constipation. In the year 2016 modified IV Rome criteria of functional gastrointestinal disorders were published. In the current work the authors discuss diagnostic criteria and therapy in regurgitation, rumination syndrome in infants, cyclic vomiting syndrome, infant colic, infant dyschezia and functional constipation in children younger than four years.

Sequential Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Treatment-naïve Children.

UNLABELLED: The goal of first-line Helicobacter pylori therapy is to reach an eradication rate of 90% to avoid further investigations, antibiotic use, and spreading of resistant strains. AIM: To evaluate the eradication rate of high-dose sequential therapy in treatment-naïve children and to assess factors associated with failure. METHODS: Prospective data assessed in a registry from nine European centers between October 2009 and December 2011. Children with biopsy-proven Helicobacter pylori infection were prescribed 5 days of esomeprazole and amoxicillin, followed by 5 days of esomeprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole according to bodyweight. Eradication was assessed after 8-12 weeks. Primary endpoint was the eradication rate in children who received at least one dose and had follow-up data. Multivariate analysis evaluated potential factors for treatment success including sex, age, center, migrant status, antibiotic resistance, and adherence to therapy. RESULTS: Follow-up was available in 209 of 232 patients (age range 3.1-17.9 years, 118 females). Primary resistance occurred for clarithromycin in 30 of 209 (14.4%), for metronidazole in 32 (15.3%), for both antibiotics in 7 (3.3%), and culture failed in 6 (2.9%). Eradication was achieved in 168 of 209 children (80.4%, 95% CI 75.02-85.78), in 85.8% with no resistance, 72.6% with single resistance, and 28.6% with double resistance. Independent factors affecting eradication rate included resistance to clarithromycin (adjusted ORs 0.27 (0.09-0.84), p = .024), to metronidazole (0.25 (0.009-0.72), p = .010) or to both (0.04 (0.01-0.35), p = .004), and intake of ≤ 90% of prescribed drugs (0.03 (0.01-0.18), p < .001). CONCLUSION: A high-dose 10-day sequential therapy cannot be recommended in treatment-naïve children.

[Genetic mutations as a cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis in children - case report and literature review].

Acute recurrent pancreatitis is not common in children. The epidemiology, etiology and clinical presentation of pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis are not well understood. The etiology is diverse and multifactorial, with many cases being idiopathic. The most common etiology of acute recurrent pancreatitis in children are genetic factors, biliary duct disorders, anatomic anomalies of the pancreatobiliary system and metabolic diseases. Mutations are most commonly found in the cationic trypsynogen gene (PRSS1), the pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor gene (SPINK1) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). The case described here is that of a 6-year-old boy, without a family history of pancreatitis, who was hospitalized several times over 5 years, with epigastric pain and high serum levels of amylase and lipase. Genetic testing showed a heterozygous variation, c.194+2T>C (IVS3+2T>C) in the SPINK1 gene and variation c.1210-34TG(11) T(5) (IVS8-5T+(TG)11) in the CFTR gene. Other etiological factors also occurred leading to the initiation and relapses of the disease.

[Intramural duodenal hematoma and acute pancreatitis as a complication of diagnostic biopsy of a duodenal 6-year-old boy]. / Krwiak sródscienny dwunastnicy I ostre zapalenie trzustki jako powiklanie diagnostycznej biopsji dwunastnicy u 6-letniego chlopca.

Hematoma duodenum is a very rare complication of diagnostic endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract when biopsy of the duodenum is performed (average frequency is estimated as 1:1,250 biopsies). Most often, it affects children and young adults without any risk factors. Symptoms result from obstruction of the duodenum and compression of the adjacent structures. Conservative treatment, which consists of parenteral nutrition and aspiration of gastric contents until the absorption of hematoma and patency of the gastrointestinal tract returns, is preferred. This paper describes a 6-year-old boy diagnosed due to short stature and low weight in whom the diagnostic biopsy of the duodenum caused formation of a hematoma in the descending duodenum and led to total ileus and acute pancreatitis. The boy was treated conservatively with good result and complete resolution of symptoms was achived.

[Neurologic appearence of Behçet disease in 14-year old boy treated with adalimumab with good result]. / Postac neurologiczna choroby Behçeta leczona adalimumabem z dobrym efektem u 14-letniego chlopca.

Behçet disease is a multiorgan inflammatory vessel disorder of unknown etiology which only occasionally occurs in children. Here, we demonstrate a 14-year-old boy with Behçet disease diagnosed based on recurrent aphthous stomatitis, acneiform facial lesions, subpreputial erosions and extensive thrombosis involving sigmoid sinus, transverse sinus and right internal cervical vein. Treatment with low molecular weight heparins, systemic corticosteroids, and azathioprine only resulted in partial remission of clinical symptoms. Addition of adalimumab led to complete resolution of clinical and biochemical abnormalities and disappearance of thrombosis in central nervous system.

Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Left Lower Limb in a 12 Year-Old Female Child with Ulcerative Colitis - Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. CASE REPORT: This case report presents a patient with ulcerative colitis, with thrombotic complication of the left common iliac vein that occurred at the age of 11, two years after diagnosis. After a year of anticoagulation and compression therapy, although exacerbations of underlying disease occurred in the first 6 months of treatment, there was no recurrence of deep venous thrombosis, partial recanalization within affected venous system has been achieved and the patient is remission of ulcerative colitis for the last six months. CONCLUSIONS: In children, thromboembolic complications occur about 7 times less often than in adults, but increases in the case of hospitalized children. In children with IBD this complication can occur independently og disease activity even in patients with any other risk factors.

Monotherapy with infliximab versus combination therapy in the maintenance of clinical remission in children with moderate to severe Crohn disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 protocols of maintenance therapy with infliximab (IFX) and an immunomodulatory agent in pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD): withdrawal of immunomodulators versus continuation of immunosuppressants. METHODS: The present multicenter randomized open-label trial included 99 patients with CD (ages 14.5 ±â€Š2.6 years) who were administered IFX (5 mg/kg body weight) along with an immunomodulatory agent (azathioprine 1.5-3 mg/kg body weight per day, methotrexate 10-25 mg/week). After 10 weeks of the induction therapy, 84 responders were centrally randomized into 1 of the following groups: group I (n = 45) in which IFX and an immunomodulatory agent were continued up to week 54 and group II (n = 39) in which the immunomodulatory agent was discontinued after 26 weeks. RESULTS: The induction therapy was reflected by a significant decrease in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and Simplified Endoscopic Activity Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) values. After the maintenance phase, the analyzed groups did not differ significantly in terms of the clinical response loss rates and final PCDAI and SES-CD scores. Furthermore, no significant intragroup differences were documented between mean PCDAI scores determined at the end of induction and maintenance phases. Intensification/modification of the treatment was required in 13 of 45 (29%) and 11 of 39 (28%) patients of groups I and II, respectively. A total of 9 serious adverse events were documented; none of the patients died during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-six weeks likely represent the safe duration of combined IFX/immunomodulatory therapy in our sample of pediatric patients with CD.

[Indicators of inflammatory process in stool in diagnostics and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Wskazniki stanu zapalnego badane w stolcu w diagnostyce i monitorowaniu leczenia nieswoistych chorób zapalnych jelit.

In the recent decades the rapid development of the studies on new methods used in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and monitoring the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases has been observed. To the diagnostics of gastrointestinal disorders new methods such as endoscopic capsule and imaging methods including magnetic resonance have been introduced. Markers of inflammation detected in stool play significant role in the diagnostics. To the best known belong calprotectine and lactoferrin, which are produced by neutral granulocytes. In the present review we have presented the clinical usefulness of detection in the stool of calprotectin, lectoferrin, S100A12 protein and pyruvate kinase. Clinical usefulness of these markers were used in diagnosis, assessment of the treatment results, disease relapse and mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease. Determination of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin in the process of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease are of particular value. Confirmation of these results in multicenter prospective trials will enable in the future to reduce the number of control colonoscopies, which in children are performer under general anesthesia.

[Co-existence of the congenital esophageal atresia and the potential coeliac disease in a child]. / Rzadko wystepujace wspólistnienie wrodzonego zarosniecia przelyku i potencjalnej choroby trzewnej u dziecka.

A case of a 4.5-year-old girl from a twin pregnancy, who was diagnosed after birth with the congenital esophageal atresia (type 3), and at the age of 4 with the potential coeliac disease. Congenital esophageal atresia was successfully treated surgically in infancy with the thoracoscopic method. The potential coeliac disease was detected in the child with a correct histopathological examination of intestinal villi and showing no enteropathy symptoms based on the presence of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase and against endomysial antibodies of smooth muscles in serum and the presence of HLA DQ2.5. In the treatment of the potential coeliac disease the girl followed a gluten-free diet.

Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatrics.

This review concerns important pediatric studies published from April 2013 to March 2014. New data on pathogenesis have demonstrated that Th1 type cytokine secretion at the gastric level is less intense in children compared with adults. They have also shown that the most significant risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection is the parents' origin and frequency of childcare in settings with a high prevalence of infection. A new hypothesis on the positive relationship between childhood H. pylori infection and the risk of gastric cancer in adults has been suggested which calls for an implementation of preventive programs to reduce the burden of childhood H. pylori infection in endemic areas. Several studies have investigated the role of H. pylori infection in iron-deficiency anemia, and results support the role of the bacterium in this condition. Antibiotic resistance is an area of intense research with data confirming an increase in antibiotic resistance, and the effect of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on proton-pump inhibitor metabolism should be further investigated as cure rates are lower in extensive metabolizers. Studies confirmed that probiotic supplementation may have beneficial effects on eradication and therapy-related side effects, particularly diarrhea in children.

High- and low-dose oral delayed-release mesalamine in children with mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of high- and low-dose oral, delayed-release mesalamine in a randomized, double-blind, active control study of children with mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Patients ages 5 to 17 years, with a Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score of ≥ 10 to ≤ 55 and a truncated Mayo Score of ≥ 1 for both rectal bleeding and stool frequency, were enrolled. They received body weight-dependent doses of oral, delayed-release mesalamine for 6 weeks in a low- (27-71 mg · g(-1) · day(-1)) or high-dose group (53-118 mg · g(-1) · day(-1)). The primary endpoint was treatment success, defined as the proportion of patients who achieved remission (PUCAI score <10) or partial response (PUCAI score ≥ 10 with a decrease from baseline by ≥ 20 points). Secondary endpoints included truncated Mayo Score and global assessment of change of disease activity. RESULTS: The modified intent-to-treat population included 81 of 83 patients enrolled. Treatment success by PUCAI was achieved by 23 of 41 (56%) and 22 of 40 (55%) patients in the mesalamine low- and high-dose groups, respectively (P = 0.924). Truncated Mayo Score (low-dose 30 [73%] and high-dose 28 [70%] patients) and other efficacy results did not differ between the groups. The type and severity of adverse events were consistent with those reported in previous studies of adults with ulcerative colitis and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both low- and high-dose oral, delayed-release mesalamine doses were equally effective as short-term treatment of mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis in children, without a specific benefit or risk to using either dose.

The antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from children and adults with primary infection in the Lower Silesia Region, Poland.

The resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has become a serious issue in recent years in the therapy of bacterial infections. This problem also concerns the treatment of infections caused by Helicobacter pylori strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of primary resistance of H. pylori strains isolated from children and adults. The subject of the research was 105 strains of H. pylori isolated from children and 60 strains from adults in the Lower Silesia Region in the years 2008-2011. Antimicrobial susceptibility to the following antibiotics was assessed: amoxicillin (AC), clarithromycin (CH), metronidazole (MZ), tetracycline (TC), levofloxacin (LEV) and rifabutin (RB). Among the strains isolated from children, 33.3% were resistant to CH, 44.8% to MZ whereas 1.9% of strains were resistant simultaneously to CH, MZ and LEV. Among 60 strains isolated from adults, 23.3% were resistant to CH, 66.7% to MZ, and 6.7% to LEV. Moreover, 16 multidrug resistant strains were isolated from adults, including 12 resistant to CH and MZ, 3 to MZ and LEV, and 1 to CH, MZ and LEV. All examined strains were susceptible to AC, TC and RB. The high incidence of resistance to CH and MZ suggests that standard triple therapies may not be useful as first-line treatment in Poland without earlier susceptibility testing.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori cagA, vacA, iceA, babA2 genotypes in Polish children and adolescents with gastroduodenal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in children and its consequences in adulthood can lead to serious complications, including in particular the development of gastric cancer. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of selected genes such as cagA, vacA, iceA, and babA2 determining pathogenicity of H. pylori strains and clinical outcome in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on H. pylori strains isolated from biopsies taken from 130 children and adolescents with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), gastric and duodenal ulcers (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Genes such as cagA, vacA (allelic variants: s1/ s2, m1/m2), iceA (allelic variants: iceA1, iceA2) and babA2 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The cagA gene was detected in 79/130 (60.8%) H. pylori isolates. The presence of the cagA gene was significantly associated with duodenal ulcer (p<0.05). The vacAs1/m1 genotype as more frequent in children with ulcers than in other groups, whereas the vacAs2/m2 genotype was more frequent in patients with gastritis and GERD. The iceA1, iceA2 and babA2 genes were present in 59/130 (45.4%), 27/130 (21%) and 30/130 (23.1%) of the strains, respectively. The vacAs1/cagA+ genotype was most frequently observed in strains isolated from children with PUD. The predominant genotype in children with NUD and GERD was vacAs2/cagA-/iceA1+/babA2-. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high incidence of strains with increased virulence, possessing cagA, vacAs1 and iceA1 genes in symptomatic children with H. pylori infection.

Somatic development disorders of children with non specific inflammatory bowel diseases.

Frequency of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) tends to increase in developing countries. Nearly 25% of cases affects pediatric patients. Inflammatory bowel diseases are often associated with weight loss and stunting in children. Moreover, weight and height deficiencies are often early symptoms. Initially, nonspecific or latent course of disease delays the diagnostic process. Malnutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases can be caused by disorders of digestion and nutrients' absorption, intestinal loss, increased energy expenditure and appetite impairment. Nutritional deficiencies and inflammatory agents lead to disturbance of tissue metabolism - muscle and bone - and retardation of somatic development of affected children. Thus, deficiencies of muscle mass, bone mineral density and body height are observed. Insufficient normalization of somatic features may be the consequence of recurrent nature of disease and specificity of pharmacological treatment. Present work deals with the current state of knowledge concerning the somatic development disorders of children with inflammatory bowel diseases. Abnormal nutritional status, bone mineral density deficits and growth failure of patients have been discussed in the context of their relations and dependencies on inflammatory, nutritional and therapeutic factors.