Bilateral gonarthrosis as the onset of Crohn’s disease in children: a clinical presentation

Abstract

Crohn’s disease is an immune-mediated disease characterized by nonspecific granulomatous transmural inflammation with segmental damage to any part of the gastrointestinal tract with the formation of extraintestinal and systemic complications. The disease is complex, multifactorial, which lasts throughout life and affects the physical and psychological development of the individual. According to modern ideas, the occurrence of Crohn’s disease is influenced by external environmental factors against the background of genetic predisposition. According to the literature, in most cases, patients with Crohn’s disease complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea, unexplained anemia, fever, weight loss, or growth retardation. The classic triad of abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss occurs in only 25 % cases. Extraintestinal manifestations such as skin lesions, vasculitis, joint syndrome, aphthous stomatitis or para-anal lesions (anal itching, macerations, fissures, paraproctitis, fistulas) may be the first symptoms in 6–23 % of cases. The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in children is made on the basis of anamnestic and clinical data, the results of using special research methods, including endoscopic, radiological, ultrasound, histological, spiral computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as immunological and genetic markers. Achieving and maintaining remission can minimize psychological problems and improve patients’ quality of life. A clinical case of Crohn’s disease is presented, which was diagnosed in a 14-year-old child who was treated for juvenile idiopathic oligoarthritis since the age of two and had frequent bacterial and inflammatory diseases. The difficulties of diagnostic search are reflected, which are caused by various symptoms and early onset. Treatment and clinical monitoring were carried out in accordance with the international recommendations of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2021. The authors emphasize the need for dynamic clinical monitoring of the patient’s condition, as well as a personalized approach to treatment.