Peer-reviewed article
Sex Differences in Statural Growth Impairment in Pediatric Crohn's Disease.
Neera Gupta ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This peer-reviewed study examines how Crohn's disease affects the growth of children differently depending on their sex. Boys more commonly experience stunted growth, while girls more commonly have delayed bone maturation. The research suggests that growth problems in children with Crohn's disease significantly harm quality of life and family well-being. The authors recommend that children with Crohn's disease and growth problems should be referred to both gastroenterology and endocrinology specialists simultaneously to avoid diagnostic delays.
Key points
- Statural growth impairment occurs more frequently in male patients with pediatric Crohn's disease
- Delayed bone age is more common in female patients with Crohn's disease
- Sex-specific pathways lead to growth impairment in Crohn's disease
- Growth impairment is associated with impacts on quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and family well-being
- Initial referral to endocrinology rather than gastroenterology may delay diagnosis and increase disease severity
Limitations
The document does not provide specific prevalence rates, epidemiological data, or details of the research methods used. It is unclear whether this is a literature review, original research, or clinical guidance, and no information is given about study population size or geographic scope.
Abstract
Statural growth is a dynamic marker of disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. Statural growth impairment is a common complication of Crohn's disease, occurring more frequently in male patients. Delayed bone age is common in Crohn's disease, occurring more frequently in female patients. Data suggest sex-specific pathways lead to growth impairment in Crohn's disease and highlight the essential need for the development of sex-specific, risk-based treatment approaches. Initial referral to endocrinology rather than gastroenterology for children diagnosed with Crohn's disease presenting with growth impairment may lead to delays in diagnosis and increased disease severity at the time of diagnosis. Growth impairment is associated with meaningful impacts on quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and family well-being. As substantial research is needed to clarify ongoing uncertainty regarding the optimal initial subspecialty referral for children presenting with growth impairment and the potential for diagnostic delay with sequential evaluation, a strategy of parallel referral to gastroenterology and endocrinology may be warranted.