This episode walks through how to identify inflammatory bowel disease in children, the key red flags that matter, and practical steps primary care providers can take before referral. It’s essential because earlier recognition of pediatric IBD can prevent growth problems, nutritional deficiencies, and serious complications. Guest: Julie Bass, DO, Medical Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Children’s Mercy and Professor of Pediatrics, offers clinical tips from years in pediatric gastroenterology. You’ll hear about stool testing like fecal calprotectin, basic blood work including CBC and CRP, growth monitoring, and when to consider colonoscopy or urgent referral for suspected Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Keywords: pediatric IBD, Crohn’s disease in children, fecal calprotectin, pediatric gastroenterology, growth concerns, colonoscopy. Claim CME or learn more at cmkc.link/cmepodcast
Recognizing IBD in Kids: What Every Pediatrician Should Know
Julie Bass, DO
Julie Bass, DO, attended Truman State University for undergraduate and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. She completed her Pediatrics Residency at Children’s Mercy in 2005 and Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at Children’s Mercy in 2011. Dr. Bass has been the Program Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program since 2012. She is a Professor of Pediatrics through UMKC, board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology. Dr. Bass has a passion for patient and family engagement in both clinical and research settings with an active IBD Patient Family Advisory Council and Children’s Mercy is a participating site in an ongoing multi-center research study supported by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Cohort for Pediatric Translational and Clinical Research in IBD (CAPTURE).