The Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEO-IBD) Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is one of the largest and most comprehensive clinical and research programs of its kind in the United States, caring for hundreds of children with VEO-IBD.

We use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and care for your child with the goal of creating an individualized treatment plan to improve your child’s disease course and quality of life. In addition to a clinical visit, your child’s appointment with our program may also include genetic and immunologic evaluation and testing.

Our research has been translated into individualized therapies for many of our patients, as well as the development of the CHOP VEO-IBD genetic sequencing panel, based on our findings. This panel is a comprehensive test of genes known to be linked to VEO-IBD and has met the highest regulatory standards that apply to all clinical laboratory testing in the United States.

We offer:

• Clinical expertise in VEO-IBD. Your child will receive expert recommendations and a coordinated plan of care from VEO-IBD-trained gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers, immunologists, dietitians, psychologists, social workers and nurses.
• Quick scheduling of appointments. When VEO-IBD is suspected or diagnosed in your child, our program administrator will gather your information and work with a second opinion nurse navigator to schedule your child’s visit as quickly as possible in our multidisciplinary clinic.
• Vast experience incorporating nutritional management and therapies. Nutrition is a key part of our treatment recommendations. Your family will have the opportunity to meet a registered dietitian specializing in VEO-IBD as a part of your child’s visit. Learn more about our IBD Center Nutrition Services.
• Unique VEO-IBD emotional support for the whole family. We have a dedicated IBD psychologist and social worker who offer individualized office visits and support geared towards young children, siblings and parents facing this complex diagnosis. Through our Peers Offering Practical Support (POPS) referral service, our social worker will connect you with other parents and guardians who can offer support and discuss how they handle having a child with VEO-IBD. Learn more about our IBD Center Psychosocial Services.
• Physician referrals and second opinions. Our program encourages physician referrals and second opinions, as well as new patient visits. If you or your provider feels your child needs to be seen more urgently, please let us know and we will work with you.
• State-of-the-art pediatric endoscopy and infusion suite. Our endoscopy team performs more than 4,500 procedures annually. Children with IBD are served by the same staff and are in the same space, whether coming in for an endoscopy or infusion therapy.
• Unparalleled access to research trials. There are more than 40 current research trials available for children with IBD. Participation in clinical trials is strictly optional. To learn more about current and ongoing VEO-IBD and IBD research, use our Clinical Research Finder tool or email IBDResearch@chop.edu. Note: Participation in research endeavors is voluntary and is not a prerequisite for evaluation in the VEO-IBD Program.