Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (707 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum, the distal end of the large intestine (intestine, large).
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Proctitides.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Gastroenteritis; Rectal Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Proctocolitis
Related concepts
- Inflammation
- Mucous Membrane
- Rectum
- Intestines
- Large
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 3,405 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Proctitis” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 365 of them (10.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 1,929 records.
Reviews account for 343 records (10.1%) and meta-analyses for 13. Randomized controlled trials number 126 (3.7%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 1,929 |
| 2000-2009 | 504 |
| 2010-2019 | 607 |
| 2020 onward | 365 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 343 | 10.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 13 | 0.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 126 | 3.7% |
Method: PubMed query "Proctitis"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in digestive system and liver
Gut and liver research ranges from laboratory studies of the microbiome to large trials of drugs and surgery. Symptoms such as pain, reflux or bowel change are reported by patients and overlap between conditions, and diet and microbiome studies are mostly observational. Check whether the study measured symptoms, tissue findings or long-term outcomes, how the diagnosis was made and how long people were followed. Nothing here replaces advice from a qualified clinician.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergies in Children: An Update | 2020 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 97 | cc by PMID 32674427 · DOI · PMC7400851 |
| Chronic radiation proctitis: tricks to prevent and treat | 2015 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 80 | cc by PMID 26198994 · DOI · PMC4575375 |
| Longitudinal disease-associated gut microbiome differences in infants with food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis | 2022 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 45 | cc by PMID 36138438 · DOI · PMC9503280 |
| A rapidly developing outbreak of clade Ib mpox among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men associated with severe proctitis, Northern Ireland, June 2026 | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42535291 · DOI · PMC13428198 |
Non-IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergies in Children: An Update [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Non-immunoglobulin E-mediated gastrointestinal food allergic disorders (non-IgE-GI-FA) include food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE) and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), which present with symptoms of variable severity, affecting the gastrointestinal tract in response to specific dietary antigens.
- Closing excerpt
- The purpose of this review is to delineate the distinctive clinical features of non-IgE-mediated food allergies presenting with gastrointestinal symptomatology, to summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis driving these diseases, to discuss recent findings, and to address currents gaps in the knowledge, to guide future management opportunities.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (184 words)
Non-immunoglobulin E-mediated gastrointestinal food allergic disorders (non-IgE-GI-FA) include food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE) and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), which present with symptoms of variable severity, affecting the gastrointestinal tract in response to specific dietary antigens. The diagnosis of non-IgE-GI-FA is made clinically, and relies on a constellation of typical symptoms that improve upon removal of the culprit food. When possible, food reintroduction should be attempted, with the documentation of symptoms relapse to establish a conclusive diagnosis. Management includes dietary avoidance, nutritional counselling, and supportive measures in the case of accidental exposure. The prognosis is generally favorable, with the majority of cases resolved before school age. Serial follow-up to establish whether the acquisition of tolerance has occurred is therefore essential in order to avoid unnecessary food restriction and potential consequent nutritional deficiencies. The purpose of this review is to delineate the distinctive clinical features of non-IgE-mediated food allergies presenting with gastrointestinal symptomatology, to summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis driving these diseases, to discuss recent findings, and to address currents gaps in the knowledge, to guide future management opportunities.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32674427 · DOI · PMC7400851
Chronic radiation proctitis: tricks to prevent and treat [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to give an overview of the measures used to prevent chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and to provide an algorithm for the treatment of CRP.
- Closing excerpt
- This is important to take into account when considering these treatments: first be conservative (topical and oral agents) and be aware that invasive treatments can be very toxic.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (198 words)
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to give an overview of the measures used to prevent chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and to provide an algorithm for the treatment of CRP.MethodsMedical literature databases including PubMed and Medline were screened and critically analyzed for relevance in the scope of our purpose.ResultsCRP is a relatively frequent late side effect (5-20%) and mainly dependent on the dose and volume of irradiated rectum. Radiation treatment (RT) techniques to prevent CRP are constantly improving thanks to image-guided RT and intensity-modulated RT. Also, newer techniques like protons and new devices such as rectum spacers and balloons have been developed to spare rectal structures. Biopsies do not contribute to diagnosing CRP and should be avoided because of the risk of severe rectal wall damage, such as necrosis and fistulas. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of CRP. A variety of possibilities is available and includes topical and oral agents, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and endoscopic interventions.ConclusionsCRP has a natural history of improving over time, even without treatment. This is important to take into account when considering these treatments: first be conservative (topical and oral agents) and be aware that invasive treatments can be very toxic.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 26198994 · DOI · PMC4575375
Longitudinal disease-associated gut microbiome differences in infants with food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundComplex interactions between the gut microbiome and immune cells in infancy are thought to be part of the pathogenesis for the marked rise in pediatric allergic diseases, particularly food allergies.
- Closing excerpt
- Video abstract.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)
BackgroundComplex interactions between the gut microbiome and immune cells in infancy are thought to be part of the pathogenesis for the marked rise in pediatric allergic diseases, particularly food allergies. Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is commonly the earliest recognized non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in infancy and is associated with atopic dermatitis and subsequent IgE-mediated food allergy later in childhood. Yet, a large prospective longitudinal study of the microbiome of infants with FPIAP, including samples prior to symptom onset, has not been done.ResultsHere, we analyzed 954 longitudinal samples from 160 infants in a nested case-control study (81 who developed FPIAP and 79 matched controls) from 1 week to 1 year of age by 16S rRNA ribosomal gene sequencing as part of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Allergic Proctocolitis (GMAP) study. We found key differences in the microbiome of infants with FPIAP, most strongly a higher abundance of a genus of Enterobacteriaceae and a lower abundance of a family of Clostridiales during the symptomatic period. We saw some of these significant taxonomic differences even prior to symptom onset. There were no consistent longitudinal differences in richness or stability diversity metrics between infants with FPIAP and healthy controls.ConclusionsThis study is the first to identify differences in the infant gut microbiome in children who develop FPIAP, some even before they develop symptoms, and provides a foundation for more mechanistic investigation into the pathogenesis of FPIAP and subsequent food allergic diseases in childhood. Video abstract.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36138438 · DOI · PMC9503280
A rapidly developing outbreak of clade Ib mpox among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men associated with severe proctitis, Northern Ireland, June 2026 [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- We describe a rapidly expanding clade Ib mpox outbreak among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Northern Ireland.
- Closing excerpt
- The outbreak is characterised by severe anorectal disease and presentation to non-sexual health settings, including secondary care.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (84 words)
We describe a rapidly expanding clade Ib mpox outbreak among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Northern Ireland. Following 12 months with no detected mpox cases, 22 confirmed cases were notified between 6 and 30 June 2026. Cases had a median age of 41 years; 19 had not travelled outside the United Kingdom or Ireland in the 21 days before symptom onset. The outbreak is characterised by severe anorectal disease and presentation to non-sexual health settings, including secondary care.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42535291 · DOI · PMC13428198
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy [5]
- Research article From symptom to diagnosis: clinical distinctions among various forms of intestinal inflammation [6]
- Research article A meta-analysis and overview of the literature on treatment options for left-sided ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis [7]
- Research article Food-induced eosinophilic proctocolitis [8]
- Research article Prevalence of anal human papillomavirus infection and anal HPV-related disorders in women: a systematic review [9]
- Research article Systematic review for non-surgical interventions for the management of late radiation proctitis [10]
References
- Labrosse R, Graham F, Caubet JC. Non-IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergies in Children: An Update. . 2020. PMID 32674427 · DOI · PMC7400851
- Vanneste BG, Van De Voorde L, de Ridder RJ, Van Limbergen EJ, Lambin P, van Lin EN. Chronic radiation proctitis: tricks to prevent and treat. . 2015. PMID 26198994 · DOI · PMC4575375
- Martin VM, Virkud YV, Dahan E, Seay HL, Itzkovits D, Vlamakis H, et al.. Longitudinal disease-associated gut microbiome differences in infants with food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis. . 2022. PMID 36138438 · DOI · PMC9503280
- Harrison A, Burns C, Magee C, Sloan M, Murphy J, McCartney L, et al.. A rapidly developing outbreak of clade Ib mpox among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men associated with severe proctitis, Northern Ireland, June 2026. . 2026. PMID 42535291 · DOI · PMC13428198
- Lalla RV, Bowen J, Barasch A, Elting L, Epstein J, Keefe DM, et al.. MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy. Cancer. 2014. PMID 24615748 · DOI · PMC4164022
- Sands BE. From symptom to diagnosis: clinical distinctions among various forms of intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2004. PMID 15168364 · DOI
- Cohen RD, Woseth DM, Thisted RA, Hanauer SB. A meta-analysis and overview of the literature on treatment options for left-sided ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000. PMID 10811338 · DOI
- Lake AM. Food-induced eosinophilic proctocolitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000. PMID 10634300 · DOI
- Stier EA, Sebring MC, Mendez AE, Ba FS, Trimble DD, Chiao EY. Prevalence of anal human papillomavirus infection and anal HPV-related disorders in women: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015. PMID 25797230 · DOI · PMC4556545
- Denton AS, Andreyev HJ, Forbes A, Maher EJ. Systematic review for non-surgical interventions for the management of late radiation proctitis. Br J Cancer. 2002. PMID 12107832 · DOI · PMC2376119
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.