A211 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN JORDANIAN CHILDREN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While IBD is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations worldwide, there is limited data on its characteristics in Jordanian children. Aims This study aims to describe the clinical presentation and management outcomes of IBD in children from a tertiery center in North Jordan. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) diagnosed with IBD between July 2017 and July 2024 at King Abdullah University Hospital in North Jordan. Data on demographic information, clinical symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens, and follow-up outcomes were collected from medical records. Results Over the study period, 31 patients were diagnosed with IBD, with 58% being female. Among these, 51.6% were classified as Crohn’s disease, 29.0% as ulcerative colitis, and 19.4% as indeterminate colitis. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.7 years. The most common presenting symptoms were diarrhea (67.6%), abdominal pain (58.0%), weight loss (32.2%), and fatigue/malaise (32.2%). Anemia was observed in 17 patients (54.8%). Intravenous iron therapy was required in 3 patients (9.7%), while 2 patients (6.5%) needed multiple blood transfusions. Escalation of initial therapy was necessary for 15 patients (48.4%). Biologic therapy (Anti-TNF agents) was used in 8 patients (25.8%), all of whom initially responded. However, 3 patients (37.5%) were switched to a second anti-TNF agent after secondary loss of response. Two patients (25.0%) developed psoriatic lesions, although none experienced serious infections. Notably, one patient (12.5%) required concomitant anti-tuberculosis treatment due to a latent tuberculosis diagnosis prior to initiating biologics. One patient (3.2%) developed pancreatitis requiring hospitalization. This same patient also experienced dural venous thrombosis, necessitating prolonged anticoagulant therapy. None of the patients in this cohort underwent surgical intervention. Conclusions IBD in Jordanian children presents with clinical features similar to those reported in other regions, although environmental or genetic factors may lead to some variations in disease patterns, and treatments` response. Further studies are needed to optimize management protocols for pediatric IBD in Jordan. Funding Agencies None