Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Autoimmune enteropathy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare condition that happens usually to infants, young children and sometimes adults make them to have several diarrhea and sometimes so much that the children need intravenous fluids. Food and vitamins are also be effected because the body attacks to the own intestinal wall, irritating the lining of the intestine. Sometimes it attacks to others places as thyroid or others glands in the body or kidneys.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Classification
Classification
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Causes
Causes
Differentiating Autoimmune Enteropathy from other Diseases
Differentiating Autoimmune Enteropathy from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Age
Gender
Race
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
- Diagnosis can be done based on the serology. Antibodies such as IgG or IgA against enterocytes are diagnostic of autoimmune enteropathy.
Symptoms
- The main symptoms are:
- Diarrhea (losing fluids all the time)
- Intestinal inflammation
- Intestinal bleeding
- Poor weight gain and weight loss
- Decreased urine output
- Skin rash
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- Main modality of treatment are the drugs suppressing immune system.
- Intravenous nutrition and a special diet are the requirements for children.
Surgery
- Surgery is not needed in many cases.
Prevention
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];