[Early risk factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease in the pediatric population of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of new cases of inflammatory bowel disease in children, which is why research is underway to determine the likely predisposing factors for the disease. Aim of the study: To assess the prevalence of early risk factors in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Methods: The study included 60 children with inflammatory bowel disease, aged 2-19 years. Diagnosis was based on the current criteria [ESPGHAN]. A validated self-construction questionnaire was one of the methods used. The control group comprises 60 children without inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS: Results: The analysis of the delivery route in the study group showed that 14 (23%) of the children were born via Caesarean section, and 46 (77%) by vaginal delivery. In the children born via C-section, the risk of Crohn's disease was insignificantly higher than in the control group. The average breastfeeding time in the study group was insignificantly shorter compared to the control group. Prematurity and exposure to nicotine smoke in the first year of life negligibly increased the risk of ulcerative colitis. The severe course of the disease affected almost half of the children exposed to antibiotics in the 1st year, but it was not a significant difference in comparison to children with a milder course of the disease.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the prevalence of early risk factors in children with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy children. The selection of factors that may affect the development of the disease requires further research.