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Familial occurrence of microscopic colitis: a report on five families
G Järnerot1, E Hertervig, C Grännö
1Dept. of Medicine, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Sweden.
Background:
The etiology and pathogenesis of microscopic colitis is unknown. Whether genetic predisposition is of importance, as in many other gastrointestinal diseases, is unknown. Familial occurrence of collagenous colitis has earlier been reported only in two families.
Methods:
Familial occurrence of microscopic colitis was searched for in a Swedish national microscopic colitis register.
Results:
Familial occurrence of microscopic colitis was identified in five families. In all families a sister-sister relationship was found. Two sisters with collagenous colitis had been living apart in different Nordic countries for many years before developing the disease. In one pair, the smoking sister had collagenous colitis and the never smoking sister had lymphocytic colitis.
Conclusions:
Considering the relative rarity of microscopic colitis, these findings indicate that a genetic predisposition may be of importance.
Insights
Familial occurrence of microscopic colitis, including collagenous colitis, was identified in five families, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition. This research highlights the importance of genetic factors in this gastrointestinal disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The causes and development of microscopic colitis remain unclear.
- The role of genetic predisposition in microscopic colitis is unknown, despite its significance in other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Previous reports documented familial collagenous colitis in only two families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial occurrence of microscopic colitis.
- To explore potential genetic links in the etiology of microscopic colitis.
Main Methods:
- A Swedish national register of microscopic colitis cases was utilized.
- Familial aggregation of microscopic colitis was systematically searched for within the register.
Main Results:
- Familial occurrence of microscopic colitis was identified in five distinct families.
- All identified familial cases involved a sister-sister relationship.
- In one family, discordant diagnoses (collagenous colitis vs. lymphocytic colitis) were observed between sisters with different smoking statuses.
Conclusions:
- The observed familial clustering, particularly sister-sister pairs, suggests a genetic predisposition.
- Given the relative rarity of microscopic colitis, these findings underscore the potential importance of genetic factors in its pathogenesis.