Health alert: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of measles in the United States (U.S.) and a case was recently identified in Miami-Dade County. All children with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at increased risk to develop measles after exposure regardless of their vaccination status due to a compromised immune system. If you believe your child has been exposed to measles or shows signs or symptoms consistent with measles please contact our IBD coordinator, Maria Bichara, immediately at 786-624-3369 (Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), so we may guide you to the next steps.
Parents of children who do not have a compromised immune system and may have been exposed to measles should contact their child's pediatrician for guidance.
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
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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.