A 3-year-old boy, born of consanguineous parentage, presented with recurrent falls and toe-walking from 2 years. Examination showed microcephaly (45 cm; <−3 Z score, WHO), dysarthria, and bilateral foot dystonia. Neuroimaging revealed multiple areas of T1-weighted hyperintensities, including in the basal ganglia and dorsal brainstem (figure). Serum manganese was elevated at 186 mg/L (normal 5-15 mg/L) with hemoglobin of 14.5 g/dL (normal 11.5-15.5 g/dL). Next-generation sequencing revealed novel homozygous single base pair insertion c.18_19insT (p.Lys7Ter) in exon 1 of the SLC30A10 gene.

Gastrointestinal dysmotility is a common problem in a subgroup of children with intestinal failure (IF), including short bowel syndrome (SBS) and pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO). It contributes significantly to the increased morbidity and decreased quality of life in this patient population. Impaired gastrointestinal (GI) motility in IF arises from either loss of GI function due to the primary disorder (e.g., neuropathic or myopathic disorder in the PIPO syndrome) and/or a critical reduction in gut mass. Abnormalities of the anatomy, enteric hormone secretion and neural supply in IF can result in rapid transit, ineffective antegrade peristalsis, delayed gastric emptying or gastroesophageal reflux. Understanding the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism(s) of the enteric dysmotility in IF helps us to plan an appropriate diagnostic workup and apply individually tailored nutritional and pharmacological management, which might ultimately lead to an overall improvement in the quality of life and increase in enteral tolerance. In this review, we have focused on the pathogenesis of GI dysmotility in children with IF, as well as the management and treatment options.

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Background Metastatic Crohn’s Disease (MCD) affecting the genitalia is a rare condition, characterised by granulomatous inflammation of the genital tract. Only few paediatric cases have been described in the literature with a female preponderance. Paucity of literature is noted with regards to treatment and outcome. Methods: Aim To describe the clinical presentation, associated features, and response to treatment in a cohort of paediatric patients diagnosed as genital metastatic Crohn’s disease (MCD). Methods All cases of paediatric genital MCD were retrospectively collected from two centres at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Leeds Children’s Hospital for the past 20 years (January 2001 to January 2021). Medical history, symptoms at presentation, histological characteristics, results of investigations and response to treatment were reviewed. Results A total of 12 patients (7 male and 5 female) were diagnosed with genital MCD. The mean age at presentation of genital MCD symptoms was 8.9 years of age (1.5–14 years). Generalised swelling of the genital region was the most common presentation. 5/12 (42%) children had luminal Crohn’s disease (CD) before development of Genital MCD whereas 4/12 (33%) children developed luminal CD after Genital MCD presentation. 3/12 (25%) children after evaluation were found to have only Genital MCD with no luminal pathology of CD. Genital MCD was the first presentation of Crohn’s disease in 7/12 children (58.3%) in our cohort. 6/12(50%) children were seen to have perianal disease. All children were extensively investigated endoscopically and radiologically. Genital biopsy was done in 6/12(50%) patients showing non caseating granulomatous inflammation. 11/12 patients received dual therapy at some point in their treatment with azathioprine and infliximab. Switch of infliximab to adalimumab was seen in 7/12 (58.3%) patients mostly in view of escalating treatment to control luminal CD. Initiation of treatment since first symptoms of genital MCD appeared to be prolonged, perhaps due to delay in diagnosis via referral pathways from local paediatrician via urologist to paediatric gastroenterologist. Improvement of genital MCD was seen in most children with dual therapy of azathioprine and infliximab. Conclusion Genital MCD can be the first presentation of Crohn’s disease and may not be associated with GI symptoms or luminal CD. All children with MCD do benefit from histological as well as radiological and endoscopic evaluation. Formal MDT discussions with the urologist, radiologist and gastroenterologist may help in early diagnosis and treatment. A retrospective multi-centre case reviews will help to identify the prevalence of genital MCD in children and also help develop a national pathway.