Childhood autism and eosinophilic colitis.
OBJECTIVE
The significance of the association between many gastrointestinal pathologies and autism is yet to be discovered. The aim of this report is to highlight an association between autism and microscopic eosinophilic colitis in 2 children. The possible mechanisms that may connect these two conditions are discussed.


RESULTS
A rare association between autism and microscopic eosinophilic colitis in 2 children is reported through retrospective chart review. Common causes of secondary eosinophilic colitis were excluded.


CONCLUSIONS
This report suggests the possibility of either impaired intestinal barrier function or an aberrant immune system that predisposes autistic children to sensitization to environmental antigens. Large controlled studies are needed to examine this hypothesis.
Chen
Breanna
B
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alta, Canada.
Girgis
Safwat
S
El-Matary
Wael
W
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D003092:Colitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D007665:Ketotifen