Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI)
Assesses disease activity in paediatric Crohn's disease (Hyams 1991). Turner 2010 cut-offs: remission < 10, mild 10–27.5, moderate 30–37.5, severe ≥ 40.
Score interpretation
PCDAI < 10 — inactive disease.
→ Maintain therapy; routine surveillance; growth monitoring.
PCDAI 10–27.5 — mild activity (Turner 2010).
→ Review therapy and nutrition with paediatric gastroenterology.
PCDAI 30–37.5 — moderate activity (Turner 2010).
→ Paediatric gastroenterology review; escalate induction therapy (e.g. exclusive enteral nutrition, steroids, biologic).
PCDAI ≥ 40 — severe activity (Turner 2010).
→ Urgent paediatric gastroenterology review; consider admission, imaging for complications and escalation of therapy.
Interpretation bands for the PCDAI. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Hyams JS et al. Development and validation of a pediatric Crohn's disease activity index. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1991;12(4):439–447.
- Turner D et al. Appraisal of the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index on four prospectively collected datasets: recommended cutoff values and clinimetric properties. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105(9):2085-2092.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
- Iron Supplementation (Paediatric) · Iron Supplement — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
