Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Improving the lives of children with IBD through advanced medical treatments, research, and education.

Why Choose Us

At the Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Connecticut Children’s, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with IBD.  Under the direction of Jeffrey Hyams, MD, an international pioneer and leader of advanced inflammatory bowel disease treatments, the Center for Pediatric IBD at Connecticut Children’s is the largest between Boston and New York. Dr. Hyams is a principal investigator on multiple research studies evaluating new treatments for IBD. 

The Center for Pediatric IBD provides a supportive environment in state-of-the-art facilities where children and their families can receive the guidance and resources they need to manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives.  We believe in a holistic approach to care.  Understanding that IBD affects not just the physical well-being but also the emotional and social aspects of a child’s life, we have assembled a dedicated team of professionals to address every facet of this condition and to push the boundaries of what we know about IBD.

Choosing the Center for Pediatric IBD at Connecticut Children’s means choosing unparalleled care, unwavering support, and a dedicated team that is committed to your child’s health and well-being.

Conditions We Treat

This condition can impact any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a spectrum of symptoms from abdominal pain to nutritional challenges. Our approach to Crohn’s disease is rooted in evidence-based treatments and compassionate care, ensuring children can live their lives with minimal disruption.

This condition is characterized by inflammation in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Our team offers advanced treatments and support to help patients with ulcerative colitis achieve sustained remission and maintain their overall well-being.

For some patients, their IBD doesn’t fit the typical classifications. These cases, known as IBD-U, require specialized care and attention, which our experienced team is adept at providing. 

Services We Offer

  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Our doctors utilize the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to design personalized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
  • Infusion: Some patients with IBD benefit from medication that's delivered by an IV. These treatments take place in our state-of-the-art Infusion Center.
  • Nursing: Our knowledgeable nursing staff is available to help triage questions and make sure that prescription medications quickly make their way through pre-authorization processes. 
  • Nutritional Counseling: Our highly experienced registered dietitians provide guidance on dietary needs to help manage symptoms and promote health. 
  • Psychosocial Support: We understand the emotional challenges that come with IBD and have two psychologists and a social worker embedded in our program. 
  • Educational Resources: We provide families with resources and information to help them understand and manage IBD.

What Is IBD?

Screengrab from "What Is IBD?" Video

Our Multidisciplinary Team

Our team ensures that every child and their family receives comprehensive support, both medically and emotionally. We are here to provide expertise, care, compassion, and hope for a brighter future in IBD care and treatment. The Center for Pediatric IBD includes team members in a number of different roles, which are outlined below.

Our pediatric gastroenterologists are experts at diagnosing and treating IBD. They work closely with patients and families to develop individualized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

At the heart of our center is a commitment to advancing the understanding of IBD. Our team of researchers and clinical scientists work tirelessly to study the disease, participate in clinical trials, and explore innovative treatments. Their findings not only benefit our patients but also contribute to the global knowledge of IBD.

Our compassionate and skilled nurses play a pivotal role in patient care. They are the frontline caregivers, offering support and education to families about the day-to-day management of IBD. 

Living with IBD can be emotionally challenging for our patients and their families. Our in-house psychologists specialize in helping young patients cope with the emotional aspects of their condition, from managing stress to addressing feelings of anxiety or depression.

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing IBD.  Our registered dietitians provide tailored dietary advice, guiding patients to healthful diets that sustain growth and development, as well as addressing imbalances that might affect bowel healing. 

Our dedicated social workers are an integral part of our team and provides a wide range of services to support both the patient and their family, including patient advocacy, counseling, navigating insurance and financial challenges, and accessing resources.