Fatal outcome in untreated adolescent ulcerative colitis: An unusual case of child neglect

This case report documents the fatal outcome of ulcerative colitis in an adolescent female whose treatment was delayed because of parental religious beliefs. The case poignantly illustrates the potential 'costs' of allowing parents' religious or health beliefs to dictate their children's medical care. Professional and societal responsibility for ensuring appropriate therapy for such children may require legal and medical actions contrary to parents' personal and religious beliefs. Childhood onset idiopathic ulcerative colitis can be a severe illness, often more aggressive than its adult onset counterpart. However, the effectiveness of current medical therapy, particularly when initiated early, is demonstrated by the lack of recently reported fatalities.