Pediatric liver transplantation

As many as 1.2 million people in Europe and more than half a million in the United States are estimated to have Crohn disease. Its incidence is increasing globally,^1-3 and its prevalence is particularly high in North America and Europe (319 to 322 per 100 000 persons).² About 25% of people with Crohn disease develop symptoms as children, and these cases are generally more severe than adult-onset cases. Resistance or intolerance to therapy is common in children with Crohn disease, with up to approximately 18% of cases requiring surgery within 5 years from disease onset. If not adequately treated, children with Crohn disease may have permanent impairments (eg, growth failure, osteoporosis, delayed sexual development, psychological disorders, failure to achieve full educational and career potential).^4-8