Signs of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Children with IBD have early vascular changes that put them at risk for developing premature atherosclerosis.

Inflammation has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Investigators in Italy examined whether children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have subclinical evidence of endothelial dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis. They compared risk factors and ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis (carotid intima media thickness [IMT]) and arterial endothelial function (brachial flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) in 52 consecutive children with IBD (27 with Crohn disease [CD] and 25 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) and 31 age- and sex-matched controls (age range, 10–20 years). Most IBD children had chronic active disease.

Children with IBD had similar family history of cardiovascular disease as controls, but significantly higher ser…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)