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Inflammatory bowel disease flare — DCH MCQ

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HardChronic conditionsInflammatory bowel disease flareDCH

A 14-year-old with inflammatory bowel disease has increasing abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, fever and heart rate 125/min. Blood tests show anaemia and raised CRP; he looks dehydrated. What is the most important red flag?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Systemic illness with bloody diarrhoea

Fever, tachycardia, dehydration and bloody diarrhoea suggest an acute severe flare or complication needing urgent specialist assessment. Mild cramps or isolated fatigue are less urgent without systemic features. The pearl is to consider infection, anaemia and hydration status in any child with IBD deterioration.

Reference: NICE NG129; BSPGHAN guidance