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Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program

The UCSF Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program provides comprehensive care for children living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is an umbrella term for several chronic conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis and other disorders that result from an overactive inflammatory response in the intestines. Symptoms of IBD can include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain and weight loss.

At UCSF, we understand how seriously IBD can impact quality of life for kids, so we're committed to using all of our knowledge, technologies and resources to help your child live as happily and actively as possible.

Our team includes pediatric gastroenterologists specializing in IBD, nurse practitioners, nurses, registered dietitians, pediatric surgeons, pathologists, pharmacists, social workers and child life specialists. To address symptoms related to IBD, such as a joint problem or skin condition, we also work closely with specialists in immunology, rheumatology, dermatology, psychiatry and psychology, radiology, hepatology (liver care), infectious diseases and endocrinology. When needed, we coordinate with the UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center and the UCSF Colitis and Crohn's Disease Center to ensure seamless care for our patients.

We recognize the importance of involving families and children in their care. We work closely with you to identify and manage factors that may contribute to the condition or worsen symptoms. Treatment approaches may involve a combination of medications, nutritional therapies, surgery and other supportive approaches aimed at achieving remission or improving symptoms.

As one of Northern California's largest IBD programs, we are staffed by a diverse, multilingual group of experts who specialize in pediatric care. As part of the ImproveCareNow network, an international pediatric IBD system, we're leveraging our integrative therapies and world-class imaging and endoscopy center to help as many families as possible. We also partner with IBD-focused patient and family advisory councils, as well as the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, to ensure that our services are tailored to meet the needs of our patients.

In addition to offering gold-standard FDA-approved medications for pediatric IBD, our experts are also conducting clinical trials to study the safety and efficacy of medications currently used to treat adults with IBD.

Getting an infusion

We collaborate with UCSF's pediatric infusion center to get our patients the transfusion and infusion therapies they need. Learn more or make an appointment at one of our Bay Area locations.

Our locations (7)

    Related conditions

    Related treatments

    • Nutritional IBD therapies

    • Postsurgical IBD care

    Our team

    Patient resources

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Gastroenterology and G I Surgery, 2024-2025

      One of the nation's best for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (6)

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    General Surgery Clinic

    General Surgery Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Fremont / San Ramon / Walnut Creek

    Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic

    Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

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    Rheumatology Clinic

    Rheumatology Clinic

    Greenbrae / San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek
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    Immunology Center

    Immunology Center

    1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    dermatology-clinic-320x320-2x 4

    Dermatology Clinic

    Dermatology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek
    7

    Pediatric Liver Center

    Pediatric Liver Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Greenbrae / San Ramon / Walnut Cre...

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-division-of-pediatric-gi-hepatology-and-nutrition-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

      Learn more

    Tender wagging care

    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

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