Allergic gastroenteropathy in children.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pathogenesis, symptoms, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders linked to immunopathologic reactions associated with the ingestion of food antigens in infancy and childhood.

DATA SOURCES: A computerized MEDLINE search was performed for the following topics: allergic colitis, allergic proctitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic colitis, cow milk intolerance, protein losing enteropathy, and malabsorption. This search was restricted to the English language and human subjects. Articles published between 1960 and 1993 were included as references. The textbooks which were used as references include: (1) Walker WA, et al, eds. Pediatric gastrointestinal disease; pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, Philadelphia: BC Decker, 1991; (2) Wyllie R, et al, eds. Pediatric gastrointestinal disease; pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1993; (3) Targan SR, et al, eds. Immunology & immunopathology of liver and gastrointestinal tract. Igaku-Shoin, 1991; (4) Goldman H, et al, eds. Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1992.

CONCLUSION: The symptoms of allergic gastroenteropathy may be those of classic allergic reactions or present as symptom complexes that may include diarrhea, malabsorption, and protein-losing enteropathy. The immunopathogenesis of allergic gastroenteropathy is complex and is still not clearly understood. As our understanding of the gastrointestinal mucosal system evolves, we should be able to manage and care for the infants and children who suffer from this group of disorders better.