Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

Comprehensive support and management for children and young adults with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

young girl eating ice cream with friends
young girl eating ice cream with friends

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary program that provides comprehensive support and management for children and young adults with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Under the leadership of Dr. Alisa Muñiz Crim, the center brings together a wide range of care specialists to support the child and family in managing individual care needs.

Causes of IBD in Children

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are disorders that result in inflammation to the digestive tract. They usually involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, fever fatigue, weight loss, joint pain or growth failure.

The causes of inflammatory bowel disease are not well understood. However, children who have a parent or close family member with IBD are more likely to be affected. Diet, environment and the immune system likely play a significant role.

Holistic Approach

The center fosters a holistic approach to the care of the child, incorporating lifestyle modifications, dietary therapy, medications and other interventions as needed. A monthly support group offers patients and their families the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, successes, and nutures a sense of community. The goal is to support children with IBD in attaining remission and optimizing quality of life.

Infusion Treatment

When infusion treatment is recommended, patients receive care in a specialized unit where they can rest comfortably throughout the infusion process. The unit is staffed by registered nurses who are experienced in managing infusion therapies for IBD patients. Child life specialists help to alleviate fears by offering activities to distract and engage the child or teen throughout their treatment.

Diagnostic Capabilities

Nicklaus Children’s uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools including:
  • Flexible scopes, called endoscopes and colonoscopes
  • Imaging services including fluoroscopy, CT scans, and MRI scans
  • Camera pill (or PillCam), a non-invasive capsule endoscopy

Treatments and Procedures

Conditions We Treat

A Team Approach

The IBD Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital brings together a comprehensive team of experts to support your child(ren) and family. The entire team takes part in clinical management to allow your child(ren) to benefit from multispecialty collaboration and consultation. Team members include:

  • Board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologists, specializing in IBD
  • IBD Nurse Practitioner
  • IBD Nurses
  • IBD Social Worker
  • IBD Dietitian
  • Pharmacist
  • Child Life Specialists
  • IBD Surgeon

Learn More

Convenience for Families

Patients can be seen in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The IBD Center holds clinics in the morning and afternoon for the convenience of school-age children and their families.

ImproveCareNow

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital joined ImproveCareNow (ICN) in January 2015. ICN is an international, multi-center collaborative network that is transforming care and improving outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults with IBD. The partnership provides access to the latest advances in medical research and treatments so that patients can get better faster and stay well longer.

featured patient photo.
featured patient photo.

Stories to Inspire

Piper became incredibly sick in December of 2020. Just days after Piper turned 11, her parents were dismayed to learn that she had ulcerative colitis. The family went to see Dr. Muniz Crim, who, after explaining various treatment options, she suggested Remicade infusions would be the best treatment for Piper.
More Stories

Awards & Associations