Gastroenterology (GI) and hepatology specialists at Riley Children’s Health provide expert care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, obesity, allergic eosinophilic GI disorders, motility disorders, cystic fibrosis, short bowel syndrome, aerodigestive disorders and nutritional disorders. GASTROENTEROLOGY
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Education and training We offer fellowships in pediatric gastroenterology, transplant hepatology, advanced nutrition support and GI psychology. > Learn more.
Funded by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Other clinical studies ■ Supplementation of gut-
KLF2-expressing T cells avert microbiota-driven intestinal inflammation National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study glucose fasting response NIH-funded clinical trials ■ TRIUMPH Pediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF) ■ iKanEat Treating secondary cardiomyopathies by mimicking the adaptive hepatic
brain axis (GLP-1)-activating carbohydrates for weight loss in adolescents with obesity ■ Leveraging chip-based organoids to define nutritional impacts in pediatric liver ■ Fiber and anthocyanin complexes as direct modifiers of microbial dysbiosis and associated inflammation in pediatric ulcerative colitis
Premier programs
TOP DISTINCTIONS
DGBI Program Launched in 2023, this program uses a multidisciplinary (GI, psychology and nutrition), multi-modality approach to treat children with functional GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, rumination and functional nausea. We provide both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to symptoms to promote individualized care. GI Psychology Program Our dedicated GI psychologists work closely with the medical team to provide evidence-based treatments to help patients cope with their GI conditions, adhere to their treatment regimen, and improve their daily functioning, quality of life and transition to adult care. Polyposis Program We offer clinical follow-up with available pediatric advanced endoscopy (single/double-balloon enteroscopy, large polyp resection, submucosal resections) in addition to routine surveillance and video capsule endoscopy (in conjunction with the adult GI hereditary colorectal cancer program and genetic counseling teams). IBD Program Following more than 500 children with IBD, Riley GI subspecialists provide expert care, access to novel therapies, research drugs through ImproveCareNow and multiple clinical trials. The program also offers nutrition and psychological support, point-of-care ultrasound for disease monitoring and education for newly diagnosed families.
■ Home to leading multidisciplinary programs for: – Intestinal rehabilitation and transplantation – Eosinophilic disorders – IBD – Aerodigestive disorders – Motility – Liver disorders and transplantation – Celiac disease – Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) – Cystic fibrosis – Pancreas care; acute and chronic pancreatitis ■ Comprehensive weight management and bariatric program focused on both surgical and nonsurgical weight loss treatment
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Cell Metabolism: September 2024 Hierarchical tricarboxylic acid cycle regulation by hepatocyte arginase 2 links the urea cycle to oxidative metabolism Findings demonstrate in cell culture, mice, human liver organoids and in a human population that subclinical defects in the urea cycle may be an inciting event in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. Gastroenterology: February 2025 Prospective analysis of liver stiffness measurement by vibration controlled transient elastography as a predictor of outcomes in biliary atresia; Lead author: Jean P. Molleston, MD Study shows for the first time that transient elastography can be used as a novel clinical tool to risk stratify and predict outcomes in children with biliary atresia. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: May 2024 Age, BMI and Type 2 diabetes modify the relationship between PNPLA3 and advanced fibrosis in children and adults with NAFLD; Lead author: Chaowapong Jarasvaraparn, MD A common and highly deleterious genetic mutation that predisposes children and adults to complications of fatty liver disease are exacerbated by specific comorbidities and risk factors.
CO-DIVISION CHIEF Brian J. DeBosch, MD, PhD Professor of Pediatrics; Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. DeBosch on Doximity.
Advanced technologies and procedures Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy Balloon-assisted enteroscopy, transnasal esophagoscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic incisional therapy are leading-edge, minimally invasive procedures that enhance our ability to manage complex cases by facilitating precise interventions, reducing the need for surgery and improving recovery times. > Learn more.
Committed to continuous improvement
OUR TEAM ALSO PUBLISHED IN: Nature Immunology | Hepatology Science Translational Medicine
CO-DIVISION CHIEF Charles P.B. Vanderpool, MD Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Vanderpool on Doximity.
Our rates of steroid-free remission are higher than the national average from ImproveCareNow.
Riley Children’s 84.24%
ImproveCareNow network 82.5%
Comprehensive discharge planning, patient/family education and follow- up visits are helping to reduce 30-day hospital readmission rates.
Professional organization affiliations MEMBER, PHYSICIAN SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE American Society for Clinical Investigation Brian J. DeBosch, MD, PhD
26 board certified physicians
2023 17.7%
2024 13.5%
See full team member list >
Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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