Growth program at Children’s National tackles inflammatory bowel disease - Children's National

For kids with Crohn's disease, growth isn't just about inches on a chart. It's a powerful signal of overall disease activity and disease status and how well treatment works. Children with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, face challenges that go beyond flare-ups or fatigue. When growth slows, it can be a warning sign that inflammation is still active or that treatment needs to change. "Growth is not just about height," says Neera Gupta, MD, MAS, Director of the Growth Program for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Children's National. "It's a powerful marker for how well the underlying disease is controlled."

Dr. Gupta is leading a groundbreaking research project known as the growth study. The work is uncovering why the frequency of growth impairment in boys and girls with Crohn's disease is different, pointing to sex-specific molecular pathways that may affect how well children respond to specific therapies for Crohn's disease. Mapping these sex-specific differences could pave the way for sex-specific risk-based personalized treatment approaches, something IBD care has never done before.

Big picture

The implications are exciting. "In 10 years, we'll be saying, 'Of course we should be managing boys and girls differently' for many different chronic inflammatory diseases. 'Why would we be treating them the same?'" says Dr. Gupta. Her vision marks a major shift from one-size-fits-all treatments to sex-specific therapies designed around a child's unique biology.

The growth program itself brings families face-to-face with experts who understand both the science and the lived experience of IBD. Each visit includes an in-depth review of growth, nutrition and treatment, along with the chance to participate in studies like the growth study. It's where research and care meet, offering children and families hope and practical solutions at the same time.

What's Next

Recently, this work was recognized by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in its "Under the Microscope" bulletin, a national publication that highlights cutting-edge research in the field. This recognition underscores Children's National's role as a leader in pediatric IBD care and sends a clear message to families: always ask about your child's growth status at every visit.

By proposing sex-specific therapeutic approaches using data collected in the growth study, Children's National is shaping a new era of pediatric IBD care. Growth is more than a number, and researchers at Children's National are at the forefront of helping children with IBD reach their full growth and developmental potential.