[Clinical characteristics of infants with allergic proctocolitis: a retrospective study of 96 cases]

Hong-Mei Zhao1, Jie-Yu You, Bin Xu

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China. yjy6601@sina.com.

Insights

Infants with allergic proctocolitis often present with diarrhea. Early diagnosis relies on colonoscopy and biopsy, with avoidance of allergens being the primary treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine

Context:

  • Allergic proctocolitis is a significant cause of lower gastrointestinal distress in infants.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations.
  • Understanding clinical characteristics is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose:

  • To characterize the clinical features of hospitalized infants diagnosed with allergic proctocolitis.
  • To establish a foundation for improved early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
  • To analyze diagnostic findings from electronic colonoscopy and histopathology.

Summary:

  • Diarrhea was the most common symptom in 96 infants with allergic proctocolitis.
  • Colonoscopy revealed mucosal abnormalities including nodules, erythema, erosion, and ulcers, predominantly in the sigmoid colon and rectum.
  • Histopathology confirmed eosinophilic infiltration, aiding in diagnosis. Dietary allergen avoidance, including hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formulas, led to complete remission.

Impact:

  • Highlights the utility of colonoscopy and biopsy in diagnosing infant allergic proctocolitis.
  • Provides evidence-based recommendations for dietary management in formula-fed infants.
  • Aims to improve clinical outcomes and reduce diagnostic delays for this condition.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.2K
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
69
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction01:26

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows...
27
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The...
21
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal...
22
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
21