Tag Archives: celiac

Microscopic, Lymphocytic and Collagenous Colitis

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Microscopic Colitis (MC) is a rare pediatric problems and occurs when chronic diarrhea occurs in the presence of a normal-appearing endoscopic exam but with abnormal histology.  In adult populations, microscopic colitis is seen more frequently and can be confused with irritable bowel syndrome.  The two subtypes:

  • Lymphocytic Colitis (LC):  >20 intraepithelial lymphocytes/100 colonocytes
  • Collagenous Colitis (CC): thickened subeptihelial collagen band in addition to changes seen with LC

In a recent study (JPGN 2013; 57: 557-61), 27 MC cases were identified from a pathology database between 1995-2011.  5 were excluded due to an enteric infection.  Among the 22 other cases, 19 had LC and 3 had CC.  Association with celiac disease was evident in 4 patients and many had preceding drug exposures.

Treatment included steroids, melamine, an bismuth.

Additional references:

  • -JPGN 2011; 53: 579. lymphocytic colitis case report
  • -Clincal Gastro & Hep 2011; 9: 13.  Celaic with persistent symptoms: consider poor adherence**, SBBO*, pancreatic insufficiency*, refractory celiac (rare), PLE, giardia, malignancy, lactose intolerance, functional d/o*, microscopic colitis, Crohn’s*, NSAIDs
  • -Gut 2009; 58: 68-72. Collagenous colitis: Budesonide at 6mg/day maintained remission in ~25%.
  • Gastro 2008; 135: 1510.  Budesonide effective for collagenous colitis; n=48, 9mg/day.
  • -Gastro 2011; 140: 1155. Review of microscopic colitis/collagenous colitis.
  • -Am J Gastroenterol 2010; 105: 859-865.  n=466 & 451 controls.  Microscopic colitis present in 1.5% of IBS patients.  IBS pts with lower incidence of adenomas (7.7.% vs 26%).  9% had diverticulosis (lower).
  • -Clin Gastro & hep 2009; 7: 1210. 4.3% of pts w microscopic colitis had celiac. 44/1009.

Gluten avoidance -quite common

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In a pediatric Boston cohort of 579 patients presenting for celiac evaluation but no previous diagnosis, 7.4% had previous gluten avoidance (J Pediatr 2012; 161: 471-5). In this cohort, the mean age at presentation was 8.7 years.

Independent predictors of gluten avoidance and the odds ratio (OR) included the following:

  • Irritability OR 3.2
  • Family history of celiac OR 2.2
  • Diarrhea OR 2.5
  • Pervasive developmental disorder OR 5.3

From my perspective, many families and sometimes referring physicians are convinced that their child has celiac disease before subspecialty evaluation. While a gluten-free diet may reduce some gastrointestinal symptoms even in the absence of celiac disease, it is probably helpful for families to complete diagnostic testing and to obtain dietary counseling prior to implementing a gluten-free diet.

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