$Unique_ID{BRK03616}
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$Title{Colitis, Collagenous}
$Subject{Colitis, Collagenous Colitis, Ulcerative (Idiopathic Proctocolitis)}
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Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

630:
Colitis, Collagenous

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of this article (Collagenous Colitis)
is not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYM list to find the
alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

Information on the following disorder can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:

     Colitis, Ulcerative (Idiopathic Proctocolitis)

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section
of this report.

Collagenous Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterized by
changes in the lining of the large intestine (colon).  The colon is inflamed
and contains a thickened layer of the protein collagen in its walls.
Chronic diarrhea and weight loss also occur.

Symptoms

Collagenous Colitis is characterized by watery diarrhea that may be recurrent
or chronic.  The large intestine is usually inflamed.  Mild weight loss and
abdominal pain also occur.  In some cases, Collagenous Colitis may
spontaneously go into remission whereas in other cases it may be chronic.
Excessive amounts of a protein (collagen) thickens the wall of the colon
causing symptoms of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of Collagenous Colitis is not known.  The disorder may be
caused by injury to the colon wall or by an inflammation that triggers excess
collagen to accumulate, or by a toxic substance.

Affected Population

Collagenous Colitis affects women in greater numbers than men.  Patients are
usually middle-aged when symptoms begin.

Related Disorders

Symptoms of the following disorder can be similar to those of Collagenous
Colitis.  Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Ulcerative Colitis (Idiopathic Proctocolitis) is an acute non-specific
inflammatory bowel disorder, characterized by multiple, irregular,
superficial ulcerations.  Thickening of the wall of the colon with scar
tissue and polyp-like structures occurs, resulting from prolonged
inflammation.  This disorder may involve only the left side of the colon or
may eventually extend to involve the entire bowel simultaneously.  Ulcerative
Colitis is usually chronic, with repeated periods of exacerbation and
remission.  The chief symptom is bloody diarrhea.  (For more information,
choose "Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis" as your search terms in the Rare Disease
Database.)

Therapies:  Standard

Treatment for Collagenous Colitis with the antibacterial sulfonamide drug
sulfasalazine may be helpful for reducing inflammation.

Therapies:  Investigational

The FDA has approved the following drug for treating as a treatment or
Collagenous Colitis:

The orphan drug Altracin (bacitracin) is being tested for the treatment
of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous enterocolitis caused by toxins A
and B elaborated by clostridium difficile.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
March 1991.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep
every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.
Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most
current information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Collagenous Colitis, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     National Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis
     444 Park Avenue South
     New York, NY  10016
     (212) 685-3440

     National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
     Box NDDIC
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 468-6344

References

COLLAGENOUS COLITIS:  PHYSIOLOGIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC STUDIES IN SEVEN
PATIENTS:  F.M. Giardiello, et al.;  Annals Internal Medicine (January 1987:
issue 106(1)).  Pp. 46-49.

COLLAGENOUS COLITIS:  H. Rams, et al.;  Annals Internal Medicine (January
1987:  issue 106(1)).  Pp. 108-113.

SULFASALAZINE IN TREATMENT OF COLLAGENOUS COLITIS.  CASE REPORT AND
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE:  N. Weidner, et al.;  American Journal Medicine
(July 1984:  issue 77(1)).  Pp. 162-166.