Observational StudyThe Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network (CIDsCaNN)

The CIDsCaNN Network is being established with the major goals of identifying why IBD develops so commonly in children and adolescents living in Canada, and of determining the best treatment strategies for different types of IBD. Focusing on a prospective, inception cohort of Canadian children of widely varied racial origins provides a unique opportunity to explore environmental risk factors early in life and close in time to disease onset, their influence on the host microbiome, and in the context of genetic susceptibility. In keeping with current treatment targets, assessed outcomes will include not only symptom resolution and growth, but also intestinal healing. We aim to identify best practice and to institute processes for continual improvement in care nationally.