title: Enterocolitis complicating Hirschsprung's disease.
abstract: Enterocolitis remains a relatively common complication of Hirschsprung's disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The etiology of Hirschsprung's enterocolitis (HEC) is multifactorial and remains poorly understood. Preventative measures and better treatment modalities will evolve out of a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Prompt recognition of HEC allows early intervention and a potential reduction in disease severity and mortality. This review of HEC describes the epidemiology, clinical and pathological features and current best practice in management. Some of the areas of research into etiology and treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Directorate of Children's Services, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Paul O'Gorman Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8BJ, UK. D.Vieten@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vieten
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spicer
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D016638:Critical Illness; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006627:Hirschsprung Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome