Abstract
In Crohn's disease, the concordance of disease site, age at onset, and clinical severity in families with multiple affected members would suggest that genetic influences contribute strongly. This review of the literature will examine the influence of age at onset of Crohn's disease on certain clinical phenotypes and the role of genetic anticipation. In nine pediatric series, children and adolescents with Crohn's disease were more likely to have a positive family history of IBD, small bowel disease complicated by fistulization, stricture formation and the need for operative intervention. In six adult series, disease onset was more likely in the fourth decade of life and unassociated with a positive family history. The disease was typically less severe, colonic and of an inflammatory type. Groups of patients with Crohn's disease and a positive family history of IBD were also found by most observers to have an earlier age at onset than patients with a negative family history. The apparent influence of age at onset on clinical phenotype in patients with Crohn's disease and a positive family history will require future molecular biologic studies linking gene polymorphisms with disease susceptibility.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 89-98 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Gastroenterology International |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - Dec 1 1997 |
Keywords
- Crohn's disease
- Family history
- Genetic anticipation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology