Scientific Journal of Pediatrics
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): Scientific Journal of Pediatrics

Very Early-Onset Ulcerative Colitis Manifesting as Acute Rectal Prolapse and Persistent Hematochezia in a Three-Year-Old Child: An Observational Analytic Case Study of Diagnostic Trajectory and Multimodal Intervention

Revika (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Tarumanagara, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Neni Sumarni (Department of Pediatrics, K.R.M.T. Wongsonegoro Regional Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia)
Galih Widiyanto (Department of Pediatric Surgery, K.R.M.T. Wongsonegoro Regional Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Oct 2026

Abstract

Background: Very early-onset ulcerative colitis (VEO-UC), diagnosed before six years of age, is uncommon and often presents atypically. In toddlers, severe proctitis with tenesmus can weaken pelvic floor support and cause full-thickness rectal prolapse, which can mimic solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, cow's milk protein allergy or primary rectal prolapse. Objective: To describe the diagnostic course, treatment and six-month outcome of a toddler with VEO-UC presenting with full-thickness rectal prolapse. Methods: A boy aged 3 years 3 months presented to K.R.M.T. Wongsonegoro Regional Hospital with persistent mucoid hematochezia, a 1-kg weight loss and full-thickness rectal mucosal prolapse. He was followed over seven epochs from baseline (T0) to month 6 (T6). Work-up comprised colonoscopy with biopsy, abdominal ultrasonography and serial inflammatory biomarkers. Treatment was a Thiersch anal cerclage with oral mesalazine induction (60–80 mg/kg/day). Results: Colonoscopy showed continuous hyperemia and multiple 2–6 mm ulcers with fibrinous exudate in the rectosigmoid and descending colon; ultrasonography found no mass or lymphadenopathy. After cerclage on hospital day 2 and mesalazine induction, the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) fell from 45 at T0 to 0 at T5–T6 . Hematochezia had resolved by week 4. Fecal calprotectin declined from 880 to 35 μg/g (−96.0%), and weight rose from 13.0 to 14.6 kg (+12.3%). The prolapse did not recur. Conclusion: Full-thickness rectal prolapse in early childhood can be the first sign of VEO-UC. Prompt colonoscopy and combined medical and surgical management were followed by anatomical stabilization and mucosal healing in this patient.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sjped

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Focus Scientific Journal of Pediatrics (SJPed) focused on the development of medical sciences especially pediatrics and child health for human well-being. Scope Scientific Journal of Pediatrics (SJPed) publishes articles which encompass all aspects of basic research/clinical studies related to the ...