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Retrospective study recommends endoscopy when diagnosing lymphocytic colitis or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder in children with abdominal pain
Author(s) -
Tilma Jens,
Tilma Jørgen,
Tilma Karen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.14520
Subject(s) - medicine , endoscopy , abdominal pain , eosinophilic , retrospective cohort study , population , gastrointestinal disease , medical record , gastroenterology , disease , pathology , environmental health
Aim This study assessed the prevalence, clinical presentation and outcome of lymphocytic colitis ( LC ) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease ( EGID ) in children with severe, recurrent abdominal pain ( RAP ), by describing the predominant symptoms, diagnostic approaches and treatment options. Methods We performed a retrospective follow‐up study at a Danish regional hospital by reviewing the histology reports of the children who had undergone gastrointestinal endoscopy for RAP . Data were retrieved from the medical records of those who met the diagnostic criteria for LC and, or, EGID from 2011 to 2016. The study population comprised 381 patients who underwent a diagnostic process to clarify RAP . Results A total of 74 patients (39 females) aged 2–17 years, with severe RAP as the most predominant symptom underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. This identified 16/74 (21.6%) with LC (n = 6) and, or, EGID (n = 11), which equated to 4.2% with RAP . No biochemical patterns of abnormalities were found. Medical treatment and, or, diet generally induced and maintained clinical remission. Conclusion We found 16 children with LC and, or, EGID . The predominant symptom was severe RAP . All patients had a macroscopically normal mucosa at endoscopy, a specific histopathological feature and no characteristic biochemical findings. Endoscopy should be considered in these cases.