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Review of the microscopic colitides

Eugene F Yen1, Darrell S Pardi

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Suite G221, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. eyen@uchicago.edu

Current Gastroenterology Reports
|July 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Microscopic colitis, a cause of chronic diarrhea, is increasingly diagnosed, especially in older adults. This review assesses its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment, noting drug-induced cases require more study.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Microscopic colitis is a frequent cause of chronic diarrhea, primarily affecting older adults.
  • Incidence rates for microscopic colitis, encompassing lymphocytic and collagenous subtypes, are rising, nearing those of inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Drug-induced microscopic colitis is a potential factor requiring further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated assessment of the epidemiology of microscopic colitis.
  • To review current diagnostic approaches for microscopic colitis.
  • To summarize treatment strategies for microscopic colitis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microscopic colitis epidemiology.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and methods for microscopic colitis.
  • Evaluation of treatment data, including retrospective studies and limited controlled trials.

Main Results:

  • Increasing incidence rates of microscopic colitis observed over time.
  • Limited controlled treatment data available, with reliance on retrospective studies.
  • Systematic therapeutic approaches can lead to symptom control.

Conclusions:

  • Microscopic colitis is a significant gastrointestinal condition with increasing prevalence.
  • Further research is needed to understand drug-induced microscopic colitis.
  • A structured approach to diagnosis and treatment is recommended for managing microscopic colitis.

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