Pediatric IBD: Just the Facts

Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is a group of chronic diseases resulting from inflammation of the small and/or large intestine. The two most common of these diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
IBD is the fastest growing chronic gastrointestinal immune disorder in children
It is a lifelong disease for which there is no cure
Children with IBD experience pain, frequent trips to the restroom, fatigue, and failure to grow
In the US alone it is estimated that over 100,000 children are diagnosed with IBD
IBD is increasing nationally and internationally among ALL ethnic groups
The average age at diagnosis is 11, but IBD can affect children even in the first two years of life
Costs of research are outpacing federal funding capabilities (especially in the face of health care reform)
70% of patients do not have a family history of IBD
Ashkenazi Jews have a four to five times higher incidence rate of IBD diagnoses than non-Jews

The Cedars-Sinai Pediatric IBD Program has been open for 11 years
The Pediatric IBD Program provides a home for patients and families who suffer from IBD‐a place they feel safe and a place where they are heard and cared for
Children and young adults from all over the world visit the Pediatric IBD Program for diagnosis and treatment
Nearly 1,000 patients have been treated by the Cedars-Sinai Pediatric IBD Program
50% of the Program is funded by donations
The Program is a model for patient-centered care with an emphasis on healing
The Pediatric IBD Program will persist as long as IBD is a threat to the wellbeing of our children