ABSTRACT
New knowledge continues to impact on the pathogenesis and treatment of the chronic inflammatory intestinal disorder described by Dr Burrill Bernard Crohn in the early 1930s.1 However, for over a century prior to this report physicians knew of the existence of a non-tuberculous ileitis. Characterized by transmural, chronic mucosal inflammation involving any portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the lips to the perineum, Crohn’s disease frequently involves the small intestine, especially the terminal ileum. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, malnutrition and growth delay are common features of disease that involves the small intestine. Rectal bleeding and extraintestinal manifestations are more commonly associated with colonic involvement. Although the clinical features of the disease are similar in adults and children, complications of chronic inflammation are most frequently seen in adults who by nature of their age, have had inflammation for a longer period of time. Growth retardation and delays in sexual maturation are issues faced primarily by children with Crohn’s disease.
