Paediatrics: Chronic inflammatory disorders

Chronic inflammatory disorders

Poor growth and short stature is a common feature of long-term inflam-matory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatic dis-orders. It may be a presenting feature in Crohn’s disease when GI symp-toms are initially minimal.

Short stature is due to long-term use of immunosuppressive agents (e.g.

corticosteroids) and to the generation of inflammatory factors (e.g. IL-6).

Both lead to GH/IGF-I resistance and suppression of bone growth.

Management should be aimed at minimizing infl ammation, and reducing immunosuppressive therapy. rhGH may have a role in treatment.