Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Our Specialties 

We provide comprehensive care for all children with inflammatory bowel disease. Our team also runs specialty clinics to support children with more complex needs. Our children’s IBD clinics include: 

Very Early-Onset IBD (VEO-IBD) Clinic 

Our pediatric gastroenterologists and immunologists work together to treat IBD in children under the age of 6. Younger children with IBD often have more complex disease that may affect their development. 

We have the skills and expertise to offer treatments that support your child’s growth and well-being. Our team also collaborates with experts at Boston Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, two of the nation’s leading centers in VEO-IBD. These partnerships allow your child access to the field’s top experts without traveling outside Los Angeles. 

Pediatric-to-Adult Transition Clinic 

IBD is a lifelong condition. As children grow into young adults, transitioning their care to an adult provider can be challenging. We established the Pediatric-to-Adult Transition Clinic to help patients aged 18 to 26 adjust to adult care. 

In the clinic, our pediatric specialists continue seeing patients as they begin receiving treatment from adult gastroenterologists. Our goal is to help young adults transition their care smoothly and take ownership of their treatment. We focus on specific issues young adults with IBD may face, including: 

• Achieving medical independence and assuming decision-making
• Developing an understanding of the disease and future health implications
• Finding resources to help manage IBD
• Focusing on preventive health, such as vaccines and cancer screening 
• Recognizing the effects of alcohol and drug use on IBD
• Understanding how IBD affects mental health, sexual health and well-being

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? 

IBD is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic (ongoing) inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD include: 

• Crohn’s disease: Inflammation can develop in any part of the digestive tract but most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine, the colon or both. Symptoms can affect many areas of the body outside your intestines.
• Ulcerative colitis: Inflammation affects the lining of the colon, causing small sores (ulcers) to form.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause disruptive, uncomfortable symptoms such as: 

• Abdominal (belly) pain 
• Changes in bowel movements (primarily diarrhea)
• Fatigue
• Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying (tenesmus) 
• Fever for no known reason
• Joint pain 
• Mouth sores
• Skin rashes
• Skin tags, abscesses or fistulas around the anus
• Stool that contains blood or mucus
• Urgent or frequent bowel movements 
• Weight loss

Children with IBD often have difficulty absorbing iron because of the inflammation in their digestive tract. They can develop iron deficiencies that lead to low red blood cell counts (anemia). Many children with IBD also need iron transfusions to treat anemia. 

Pediatric IBD Treatments We Offer

IBD is a chronic disease, which means it requires lifelong treatment. With the right care plan, however, many children with IBD can effectively manage the condition. Our team offers a full range of leading-edge treatment options, including: 

• Novel drug therapies: Our doctors use the latest medications to manage IBD in children. Experts’ understanding of IBD and its treatments is rapidly evolving. We offer the newest effective medications to decrease inflammation and manage symptoms.
• Diet therapy: Specialized diets can be part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Our team includes dietitians with specialized training in treating children’s IBD, including the specific carbohydrate diet and the Crohn’s disease exclusion diet. 
• Infusion therapies: About one-third of our patients benefit from infusion services. Your child may need therapeutic drug infusions or iron infusions to treat anemia. Our on-site infusion center is staffed with pediatric-trained experts. 
• Surgery: Treatment almost always starts with noninvasive therapies. In some cases, children may benefit from surgery to improve symptoms and quality of life. We collaborate with highly trained pediatric surgeons and colorectal surgeons to offer advanced surgical care for children who need it. 

Meet Our Team

Our comprehensive team includes pediatric gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, dietitians and registered nurses. We also work with pediatric specialists in immunology, rheumatology and surgery. Your child receives advanced treatment from a team of skilled, experienced experts.