Microscopic colitis : a common and an easily overlooked cause of chronic diarrhoea

• Microscopic colitis, comprising collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, is characterised clinically by chronic watery diarrhoea, a macroscopically normal colonic mucosa where diagnostic histopathological features are seen on microscopic examination. The annual incidence of each disorder is 4–6/100,000 inhabitants, with a peak incidence in 60–70 year old individuals and a noticeable female predominance in collagenous colitis. The aetiology is unknown. Abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and faecal incontinence are common symptoms in addition to chronic diarrhoea that impair the health-related quality of life of the patient. There is an association to other autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and arthritis. Budesonide is the best-documented short-term treatment, but the optimal long-term strategy needs further study. The long-term prognosis is good and the risk of complications including colonic cancer is low.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Chronic Disease

Clinical Protocols

Colitis; Microscopic/*complications/*diagnosis/therapy

Diarrhea/*etiology

Humans

Prognosis

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Internal medicine

Invärtesmedicin

Invärtesmedicin

Internal Medicine

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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