Neurovascular and thromboembolic complications of inflammatory bowel disease in childhood.

Vascular complications occurred in 3.3% (6 of 180) of children with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical disease activity was severe in four of six patients who presented with these symptoms. In contrast to adults, in whom deep-vein thrombotic complications predominate, the majority of children had involvement of the CNS including encephalopathy, arteritis, arterial occlusion, and thromboembolism. One patient died 3 1/2 years later from progressive intestinal and neurological deficits: morbidity included blindness, epilepsy, and developmental delay. Hematological parameters varied widely. Prevention is not always possible, but risk factors include: (a) family history of collagenosis (83% incidence), (b) severe inanition and immobility, (c) delayed hospitalization, and (d) clinical presentation with cutaneous vasculitis. Therapy must be individualized.