Saint Louis University School of Medicine has an acclaimed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center that is staffed by three pediatric gastroenterologists specializing in the treatment of pediatric IBD. The three lead a multidisciplinary specialized clinic which includes a specialized nutritionist, psychologist, nurse educator, all attuned to the needs of families affected by IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which may cause pain, bleeding, diarrhea, weight loss and other troubling gastrointestinal symptoms. Crohn鈥檚 disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of IBD. Though the cause of IBD is not fully understood, we do know that this is a lifelong condition that requires the care of a gastroenterologist.
In the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, faculty and fellows are trained exclusively to treating patients with IBD.
The volume of the center has more than doubled over the past five years. Treatments offered include the latest therapeutic medications as well as surgical options. Of particular note is the hospital鈥檚 excellent track record for improving IBD remission rates among young patients. Remission rates among children treated in the IBD Center are as high as 85%, well above the national average.
The IBD Center is an active member of Improve Care Now, a nationally recognized quality improvement and research network. Quality initiatives within this network have resulted in standardized best practice care protocols for the treatment of IBD. The IBD Center is also an active member of the Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis Foundation St Louis Chapter.
