Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

Overview

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program is designed to provide personalized, exceptional care for children and young adults with IBD through a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract as the result of an abnormal immune - mediated inflammatory response to the environment in a genetically susceptible individual. Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are two major types of IBD, affecting over 3 million Americans, of which, 25% will be diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms of IBD may include abdominal pain, weight loss, poor growth, fatigue, and diarrhea. Diagnosis is made based on upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy with biopsies along with supporting evidence from blood and stool tests, MRI, and wireless capsule endoscopy. While there is no current cure for IBD, treatment includes oral or IV medication, nutritional therapy, and possibly surgery.

Why choose Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatric IBD Program?

Our providers at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatric IBD Program provide expertise in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases through a team approach that is committed to the care of our patients. Our team is also committed to research, exploring the cause, treatment, and monitoring of IBD with our clinicians, scientists, surgeons, dietitians and psychologists. A thorough understanding of IBD helps improve the care and outcomes of our patients from both a medical and psychological standpoint.

Our Team

Medical Director of Pediatric IBD

• Jacob Kurowski, MD.

Physicians

• Nila Mistry Ambani, MD.
• Jessica Barry, MD.
• Lisa Feinberg, MD.
• Deborah Goldman, MD.
• Marsha Kay, MD.
• Sandra Kim, MD.
• Sophia Patel, MD.

Care Coordinators

• Lauren Blanc, RN, BSN, CPN.
• Marcia Powers-McKinney, BSN, RN, CPN, WOCN.
• Kathleen Raig, RN, BSN, CPN.

Pediatric and Colorectal Surgeons

• Anthony Deross, MD (Pediatric Surgery).
• Jeremy Lipman, MD (Colorectal Surgery).

Transitional Care in IBD Expert

• Jessica Philpott, MD, PhD.

Dietitians

• Diana Schnee, MS, RD, CSP, LD.

Psychology

• Gerard Banez, Ph.D.
• Katherine Corvi, PsyD.
• Gina Rhodes, Ph.D.
• Alina Vaisleib, PsyD.

Pathologists

• Thomas Plesec, MD.
• Ilyssa Gordon, MD.

Patients may also see Radiologists, Social Workers and caregivers from Child Life.

Programs & Services

Annual IBD Clinic Visit

Starting at 12 years of age, we ask that each patient attend a multidisciplinary IBD clinic with their provider once a year. During this time we will discuss physical and psychological wellness along with patient independence as you become a young adult.

Each patient will have an opportunity to meet with:

• Care Coordinator
• Psychology
• Dietitian
• Social Work (if needed)

We will provide you with a time-frame recommended for follow up and we ask that you schedule these appointments at your earliest convenience.

Second Opinions

To make the most of your appointment, we request that you bring any available:

• Outside GI notes
• Outside labs
• Surgery/Endoscopy reports
• Pathology reports
• Imaging on disc

If you are able to send records ahead of your visit, please fax to 216.444.2974.

Appointments & Locations

To make an appointment, please call 216.444.5437.

Locations

Our Pediatric IBD Clinic is located at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Outpatient Center, located at Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus. The building sits at 89^th and Euclid Ave. with its own entrance and valet. Parking is located across the street.

Education & Resources

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Attaining Wellness and Independence

The following educational videos will provide information on nutrition and exercise, emotional wellness, healthcare literacy, available resources and the world in adult IBD.

1. Own Your IBD: Inspiring Wellness and Independence in Adolescents and Young Adults with IBD - Dr. Jacob Kurowski, MD
2. Live Your Best Life: Nutrition & Physical Activity for IBD - Diana Schnee, MS, RD, CSP, LD
3. Coping with IBD: Recognizing and Responding to Stress and Depression – Dr. Katherine Lamparyk, PsyD
4. Resources to Help Manage Your IBD - Dr. Nila Mistry Ambani, MD
5. Moving Towards Independence - Kathy Raig, RN
6. Transitional Care for IBD: Welcome to the World of Adult Gastroenterology – Jessica Philpott, MD, PhD

Additional Valuable Resources for Families

• Cleveland Clinic Adult
• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN)
• Pediatric and Adult Colorectal Surgery Clinic 

Research

Doctor’s at the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program are constantly studying the causes of IBD and working on ways to develop new treatments to help patients.

Many of our patients participate in studies and clinical trials around the treatment of IBD. Participation in clinical studies is completely voluntary.

For more information about enrolling in a study, please call the appropriate contact listed under each study.

Current Research by our Pediatric IBD providers:

• A Phase I Study of Adult Allogeneic Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Pediatric Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s .
  • Inclusion: 13-17 years with a perianal fistula due to Crohn’s disease
  • Contact: Caroline Matyas – 216.212.0746
• Quantitative Imaging-based Evaluation of Visceral Adipose Tissue to Develop a Non-invasive Marker for Disease Progression in Pediatric Crohn's Disease
  • Inclusion: 6-17 years with Crohn’s disease
  • Contact: Charles Tomei – 216.445.7472
• Specialty Medical Homes to Improve Outcomes for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Behavioral Health Conditions
  • Inclusion: 18 and up with IBD with anxiety and/or depression
  • Contact: Marlow Estioko – 216.444.6975