Colic Workup

  • Author: Prashant G Deshpande, MD; Chief Editor: Carmen Cuffari, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 11, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies are usually not indicated in colic unless the physician suspects another condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux.

If the patient's stools are excessively watery, testing them for excess reducing substances (Clinitest) may be worthwhile. If results are positive, this may be an indication of an underlying GI problem, such as acquired (postinfectious) lactose intolerance. Stool may be tested for occult blood to rule out cow's milk allergy (CMA).

Irritability and crying may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease because of the pain associated with esophagitis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Prashant G Deshpande, MD  Attending Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Christ Hospital Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois; Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

Prashant G Deshpande, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and American Telemedicine Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Chris A Liacouras  MD, Director of Pediatric Endoscopy, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Chris A Liacouras is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stefano Guandalini, MD  Director, Celiac Disease Center, Chief, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medical Center; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Stefano Guandalini, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF  Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Downstate, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center

Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nutrition, American College of Physician Executives, American Gastroenterological Association, American Pediatric Society, Gastroenterology Research Group, New York Academy of Medicine, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Curemark, LLC Consulting fee Board membership; Centocor, Inc. Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Grant/research funds Independent contractor

Chief Editor

Carmen Cuffari, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Carmen Cuffari, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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