Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI)
Assesses disease activity in paediatric Crohn's disease. Used in clinical trials and to guide treatment decisions. Remission: <10. Moderate-severe: ≥30.
Score interpretation
PCDAI <10 — clinical remission
→ Maintain therapy; routine surveillance; growth monitoring
PCDAI 11–29 — mild active Crohn's disease
→ Optimise 5-ASA or budesonide; ensure adequate nutrition; consider thiopurine if frequent flares
PCDAI ≥30 — moderate to severe disease
→ Biologic therapy (anti-TNF); corticosteroids for induction; nutritional therapy (EEN); paediatric gastroenterology review; consider imaging
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.
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.