My son who has CD has not been following what he should have on his growth chart for the past two years. Since the symptoms started about two years ago, does this mean that the crohns has something to do with that? he is about five foot three and shorter than most of his friends. We are starting remicade soon and after we are done with the infusions and the 6MP, do you think he will begin to grow again? Does anyone have a similar story?
Crohns and Growth?
- Thread starter Dman7543
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CD, as you know is inflammation of the GI tract, that inflammation can lead to malabsorption which in turn leads to growth problems. You may want to request a DEXA scan it will give you an idea of your child's bone age. Because even though CD can cause stunted growth it will also stunt bone age, meaning a 15 year old could have bone age of 13 year old, which would allow for a larger window for the child to catch up. But in order for the child to start catching up the inflammation and malabsorption has to be taken care of and under control, which is why your GI is probably suggesting Remicade. Remicade can create mucosal healing which can take care of malabsorption.
Also you may want to get some of your child's vitamin levels checked such as Vitamin D, B12, Folic acid as CD'er are generally deficient in these due to malabsorption.
Also you may want to get some of your child's vitamin levels checked such as Vitamin D, B12, Folic acid as CD'er are generally deficient in these due to malabsorption.
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Yes, I posted in one of your other threads but he was 15 when we started remicade and was experiencing night fevers, severe mouth ulcers and fatigue as well as abdominal pain. He mostly had C instead of D but also had D. There was some urgency but that wasn't his biggest issue. Remicade worked right away, at least through the loading doses. He had immediate relief from all of his symptoms within a few days of his first infusion.
The problem came when we tried to move out to the 8 week schedule, he was unable to go the full 8 weeks without the symptoms coming back so we ended up shortening the schedule to every 6 weeks and adding methotrexate(an immunosuppressent but not from the thioprine class like 6MP/Imuran) this has seemed to get him back on track to remission as he is once again experiencing no symptoms and is 4 days away from his next Remicade infusion. We are still early in on adding Methotrexate to the Remicade but so far so good.
The problem came when we tried to move out to the 8 week schedule, he was unable to go the full 8 weeks without the symptoms coming back so we ended up shortening the schedule to every 6 weeks and adding methotrexate(an immunosuppressent but not from the thioprine class like 6MP/Imuran) this has seemed to get him back on track to remission as he is once again experiencing no symptoms and is 4 days away from his next Remicade infusion. We are still early in on adding Methotrexate to the Remicade but so far so good.
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For the most part, while C was flaring he was so fatigued he didn't feel like going or doing. Even school became a chore because it would wear him out quickly. But after starting Remicade he returned to his regular social habits.
Also I don't know if anyone has mentioned it but when dealing with absences and other issues related to CD(such as permanent bathroom privliges and stop time testing) you may want to look into a 504 plan if you haven't already. My Little Penguin has a great link from CCFA.
Also I don't know if anyone has mentioned it but when dealing with absences and other issues related to CD(such as permanent bathroom privliges and stop time testing) you may want to look into a 504 plan if you haven't already. My Little Penguin has a great link from CCFA.
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http://www.ccfa.org/resources/template-section-504-plan.html
Ask you shall receive
Remicade does increase growth
There is a pediatric research section at the top of the parents forum.
Scroll down there are a few papers sited about growth.
You will need a Bone age X-ray of the hand and a dexa scan. .
Dexa checks for bone loss osteopenia .
The X-ray tells you how delayed your growth is and if you can play catch up.
Ask you shall receive
Remicade does increase growth
There is a pediatric research section at the top of the parents forum.
Scroll down there are a few papers sited about growth.
You will need a Bone age X-ray of the hand and a dexa scan. .
Dexa checks for bone loss osteopenia .
The X-ray tells you how delayed your growth is and if you can play catch up.
