[Clinical features of Eosinophilic Colitis in infants with persistent rectal bleeding]

The most common presentation of cow's milk protein allergy (CMP) in infants is known as eosinophilic colitis (EC). The aim of this study is to evaluate EC characteristics in infants evaluated with colonoscopy due to the presence of rectorrhagia.

A retrospective case-control study. Left-sided colonoscopy records of infants with persistent rectal bleeding, conducted between January 2006 and March 2011, were reviewed. The cases corresponded to infants with rectal biopsy compatible with EC and controls with negative biopsy. Telephone questionnaires to parents were conducted, evaluating personal and family history.

Complete records were obtained in 61 (79%) of the 77 procedures. 33 (54%) of them were males. Examination average age was 6.3 ± 5.9 months. 25 (41%) patients had EC on their histology. Between cases and controls, no significant difference in gestational age, birth weight and gender, only regarding age at the time of rectal bleeding, were observed. There was also no difference in personal history regarding obstructive bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or other food allergies. Those who received artificial feeding did not presented greater risk of EC. The most common symptoms in the cases did not differ significantly from the controls.

The prevalence of EC in the children studied was 40.9%. Our results show that there are groups of patients with persistent rectal bleeding in which there is no personal or family history that helps diagnosing EC. An endoscopic study could be considered in these patients to establish a correct diagnosis of this condition, avoid unnecessary diets and not to delay the detection of other diseases.