HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Microscopic colitis.

Abstract
Microscopic colitis may be defined as a clinical syndrome, of unknown etiology, consisting of chronic watery diarrhea, with no alterations in the large bowel at the endoscopic and radiologic evaluation. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis is only possible by histological analysis. The epidemiological impact of this disease has become increasingly clear in the last years, with most data coming from Western countries. Microscopic colitis includes two histological subtypes [collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC)] with no differences in clinical presentation and management. Collagenous colitis is characterized by a thickening of the subepithelial collagen layer that is absent in LC. The main feature of LC is an increase of the density of intra-epithelial lymphocytes in the surface epithelium. A number of pathogenetic theories have been proposed over the years, involving the role of luminal agents, autoimmunity, eosinophils, genetics (human leukocyte antigen), biliary acids, infections, alterations of pericryptal fibroblasts, and drug intake; drugs like ticlopidine, carbamazepine or ranitidine are especially associated with the development of LC, while CC is more frequently linked to cimetidine, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and lansoprazole. Microscopic colitis typically presents as chronic or intermittent watery diarrhea, that may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss and incontinence. Recent evidence has added new pharmacological options for the treatment of microscopic colitis: the role of steroidal therapy, especially oral budesonide, has gained relevance, as well as immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine. The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents, infliximab and adalimumab, constitutes a new, interesting tool for the treatment of microscopic colitis, but larger, adequately designed studies are needed to confirm existing data.
AuthorsGianluca Ianiro, Giovanni Cammarota, Luca Valerio, Brigida Eleonora Annicchiarico, Alessandro Milani, Massimo Siciliano, Antonio Gasbarrini
JournalWorld journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 18 Issue 43 Pg. 6206-15 (Nov 21 2012) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
PMID23180940 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
Topics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
  • Colitis, Collagenous (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
  • Colitis, Lymphocytic (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
  • Colitis, Microscopic (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
  • Colon (drug effects, pathology)
  • Gastrointestinal Agents (therapeutic use)
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: