Thalidomide Therapy for VEOIBD

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) refers to IBD diagnosed before 6 years of age. VEOIBD comprises a distinct subset of pediatric IBD characterized by stronger genetic predisposition, predominant colonic involvement, more extensive inflammation, more severe course, and peculiar response to treatments. Previous studies have been demonstrated that thalidomide, an oral molecule with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and TNF-suppressing properties, is an effective and safe treatment for adults and children with IBD refractory to conventional therapies. This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of thalidomide in VEOIBD.