BackgroundChronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare disorder and represents the most severe form of gastrointestinal dysmotility with significant morbidity and mortality. Emerging research shows considerable differences between the adult and pediatric population with intestinal pseudo-obstruction and the term Pediatric Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (PIPO) was recently proposed.PurposeThe aim of this article is to provide pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatricians with an up to date review of the etiology and underlining pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic and management approaches currently available for PIPO and to discuss future perspectives for the diagnosis and management of this rare disease.

No abstract

Background and Aim Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for life‐threatening complications of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), including lymphoproliferative diseases. These complications are likely related to inherent immune dysfunction and immunomodulating therapies often used. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of EBV at diagnosis in our population, its impact on disease at onset, and the risk of active EBV infection. Methods We included patients newly diagnosed with IBD for whom an EBV serology was performed over a 2‐year period. Demographic information and data on disease characteristics were collected retrospectively. Stored serum from the time of diagnosis was retrieved when available for the patients with positive EBV serology, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing was performed to assess the pre‐treatment viral load of EBV. Results One hundred twenty patients were included in the study. Fifty‐three patients (44.2%) had positive EBV serology at diagnosis. Stratified by age group, the prevalence of seropositive patients was for 0 to <10 years 35%, 10 to <17 years 46%, and ≥17 years 50%. Overall, therapies started within 6 months of diagnosis were similar in both the seropositive and seronegative groups. Within the seropositive group, 66% received systemic corticosteroids, 32.1% infliximab, 5.7% adalimumab, and 5.7% azathioprine. Conclusion EBV seroprevalence is high in pediatric patients with IBD. EBV seropositivity did not seem to influence the severity of disease at onset or initial choice of therapy.