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Treatment for UC in pediatric patients


Tue, July 05, 2016 1:12 PM

Our 12 year old son was just diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last week. He was started on prednisone and the peds GI specialist wants to start him on Remicade this week. My husband and I have started to read more about it and we are very concerned...especially with the risk of cancer developing in young males. Any parents out there who can share some of their experiences with meds and treatments for UC? We want to go into this with as much info as we can as far as treatment options and would love to hear from some other parents out there. Many thanks in advance!!

FPO dormanms77
Joined Jul 5, 2016

Tue, July 12, 2016 1:08 PM

 Reply posted for dormanms77.

Our daughter was dx w/CD @ 4; she is now 16 and I have learned a lot along the way. 

Some drs believe in the "Top / Bottom" approach. Meaning start with the heavy weight drugs and work your way down while others try the opposite.  Our dr. went for the least evasive option first with the understanding that if good results aren't resulting that we would have to re-evaluate to another med.

I share in your concern with these big meds. How is your son doing?  Is he currently bleeding, not holding down food, and pretty much couch bound?  If so, then you may need to go with the immune suppressing meds.  If not, what do you have to lose to try a less harmful alternative at least to see how he responds.

You have nothing to lose by getting a 2nd opinion if you haven't already done so. I got 3 and unfortunately the dx didn't change, but atleast I knew my 4 year old did in fact have CD!

Good luck to you

FPO lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

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