[Crohn disease in childhood].

Increasing incidence of Crohn's disease particularly in childhood and adolescence has made inflammatory bowel disease one of the most important aspects of paediatric gastroenterology. The multicenter paediatric Crohn's disease study group with members from F.R.G., Switzerland, and Austria diagnosed Crohn's disease in 527 patients by means of defined diagnostic criteria. With regard to epidemiology, genetics, aetiology, descriptive pathogenesis, anamnestical and diagnostical features and therapy the authors discuss their experience and results of the multicenter study group.