[Severe epithelio-exfoliative colitis in infants. I. Clinical data]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics
• Otolaryngology

Context:

• Neonatal onset colitis presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Severe cases necessitate intensive management, including nutritional support and surgical intervention.
• Associated neurological conditions, such as neural deafness, can occur in severe neonatal diseases.

Purpose:

• To report and characterize two distinct cases of severe neonatal colitis.
• To highlight the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of this condition.
• To discuss the management and outcomes of severe infant colitis.

Summary:

• Two neonates presented with severe colitis, marked by lack of endoscopic ulcerations and inflammatory markers.
• Both infants required exclusive parenteral nutrition and ultimately colectomy despite prolonged medical treatment.
• Associated neural deafness was a notable comorbidity in both cases.
• Specific histologic abnormalities of the colon were key to diagnosing this severe infantile colitis.

Impact:

• This case report contributes to understanding rare forms of neonatal colitis.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering specific histologic findings in diagnosing severe infant colitis.
• The findings may inform future diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for similar pediatric cases.