PCD is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs in children younger than 17 years of age. While the exact incidence of PCD is unknown, it is estimated that 10% of new cases of Crohn's disease occur in patients younger than 18 years of age, or an estimated 140,000 children. PCD usually presents during the mid to late teens, but it has been detected in even younger children.
Crohn's disease causes painful inflammation in the digestive tract. This usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine or colon. Both adult and pediatric Crohn's patients may experience a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, fever, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
While the direct cause of PCD is unknown, here's what we do know: First, children may be more likely to experience PCD if it's part of their family's medical history. Second, PCD symptoms begin when the immune system attacks healthy cells in a child's body, for reasons we do not yet understand.
Normally, the immune system (the body's natural defense system), protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign agents. When children have PCD, their immune system incorrectly targets their gastrointestinal tract. This causes inflammation—leading to the symptoms and flares usually experienced with PCD.
PCD usually presents in children during the mid to late teens; however, it has been detected in even younger children.
Symptoms of PCD can range in severity and may develop over time or very suddenly. Symptoms typically include:
These symptoms can have a serious impact on a child's quality of life. If your child is still experiencing the cycle of good days and bad days, the symptoms aren't really under control. The good news is, treatments are available to control symptoms. Learn about Treatment Options [1]
Only your doctor can recommend a course of treatment after checking your health condition. REMICADE® (infliximab) can cause serious side effects such as lowering your ability to fight infections. Some patients, especially those 65 years and older, have had serious infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that have spread throughout the body, including tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis. Some of these infections have been fatal. Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with REMICADE®.
Unusual cancers have been reported in children and teenage patients taking TNF-blocker medicines. Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of fatal lymphoma, has occurred mostly in teenage or young adult males with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who were taking REMICADE® and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. For children and adults taking TNF blockers, including REMICADE®, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase.
You should discuss any concerns about your health and medical care with your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor before I take REMICADE®?
You should let your doctor know if you have or ever had any of the following:
Also tell your doctor if you:
What should I watch for and talk to my doctor about before or while taking REMICADE®?
The following serious (sometimes fatal) side effects have been reported in people taking REMICADE®.
You should tell your doctor right away if you have any of the signs listed below:
For more information, please download the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide and discuss it with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Links:
[1] http://www.remicade.com/pediatric-crohns-disease/treatment-options