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Objective: To assess the effect of long-term dupilumab on histological, symptomatic and endoscopic aspects of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) in adolescent and adult patients with and without prior use of swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) or prior inadequate response, intolerance or contraindication to STC., Design: Pre-specified analysis of data from the phase 3 LIBERTY EoE TREET study on patients who received dupilumab 300 mg once a week or placebo for 24 weeks (W24) in parts A and B, and an additional 28 weeks (W52) in part C. Patients were categorised as with/without prior STC use and with/without inadequate/intolerance/contraindication to STC. The proportion of patients achieving ≤6 eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf), absolute change in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) score, mean change in Endoscopic Reference Score and Histologic Scoring System grade/stage scores were assessed for each subgroup., Results: Regardless of prior STC use, dupilumab increased the proportion of patients achieving ≤6 eos/hpf and improved DSQ score versus placebo at W24, with improvements maintained or improved at W52. The DSQ score and the proportion of patients achieving ≤6 eos/hpf after switching from placebo to dupilumab at W24 were similar to those observed in the dupilumab group at W24, regardless of prior STC use or inadequate/intolerance/contraindication to STC. Improvements in other outcomes with dupilumab were similar in patients with/without prior STC use or inadequate/intolerance/contraindication to STC., Conclusion: Dupilumab 300 mg once a week demonstrated efficacy and was well tolerated in patients with EoE regardless of prior STC use or inadequate response, intolerance and/or contraindication to STC., Trial Registration Number: NCT03633617., Competing Interests: Competing interests: AJB: Dr Falk Pharma, Norgine, Nutricia, Sanofi, SST and Thelial—research funding; Alimentiv, Aqilion, AstraZeneca, Dr Falk Pharma, Laborie, Medtronic, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi—consulting fees. ED: Adare/Ellodi, Allakos, Arena/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Celgene/Receptos/BMS, GSK, Meritage, Miraca, Nutricia, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Revolo and Shire/Takeda—research funding; Abbott, AbbVie, Adare/Ellodi, Aimmune, Akesobio, Alfasigma, ALK, Allakos, Amgen, Aqilion, Arena/Pfizer, Aslan, AstraZeneca, Avir, Biorasi, Calypso, Celgene/Receptos/BMS, Celldex, Eli Lilly, EsoCap, Eupraxia, Ferring, Gossamer Bio, GSK, Holoclara, Invea, Knightpoint, Landos, LucidDx, Morphic, Nexstone Immunology, Nutricia, Parexel/Calyx, Phathom, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Revolo, Robarts/Alimentiv, Salix, Sanofi, Shire/Takeda, Target RWE and Upstream Bio—consulting fees; Allakos, Holoclara and Invea—educational funding. IH: Allakos, AstraZeneca, Calyx/Parexel, Eli Lilly, Ellodi/Adare, EsoCap, Gossamer Bio, Nexstone, Pfizer/Arena, Phathom, Receptos/BMS, Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Shire/Takeda—consulting fees; Allakos, AstraZeneca, Ellodi/Adare, Pfizer/Arena, Receptos/BMS, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Shire/Takeda—research funding; Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals—speaker fees. AJL: Dr Falk Pharma and EsoCap—consulting fees; Dr Falk Pharma, Ellodi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals—research funding. CS: Adare Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Calypso, EsoCap, Dr Falk Pharma, GmbH and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals—consulting fees. AS, EM, JM and XS: employees of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and may hold stock and/or stock options in the company. EL, LG and LM: employees of Sanofi and may hold stock and/or stock options in the company., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Direct comparisons of childhood- and adulthood-onset eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are scarce., Aim: To compare disease characteristics, endoscopic and histological features, allergic concomitances and therapeutic choices across ages., Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the EoE CONNECT registry., Results: The adulthood-onset cohort (those diagnosed at ≥18y) comprised 1044 patients and the childhood-onset cohort (patients diagnosed at <18 y), 254. Vomiting, nausea, chest and abdominal pain, weight loss, slow eating and food aversion were significantly more frequent in children; dysphagia, food bolus impaction and heartburn predominated in adults. A family history of EoE was present in 16% of pediatric and 8.2% of adult patients (p<0.001). Concomitant atopic diseases did not vary across ages. Median±IQR diagnostic delay (years) from symptom onset was higher in adults (2.7 ± 6.1) than in children (1 ± 2.1; p<0.001). Esophageal strictures and rings predominated in adults (p<0.001), who underwent esophageal dilation more commonly (p = 0.011). Inflammatory EoE phenotypes were more common in children (p = 0.001), who also presented higher eosinophil counts in biopsies (p = 0.015) and EREFS scores (p = 0.017). Despite PPI predominating as initial therapy in all cohorts, dietary therapy and swallowed topical corticosteroids were more frequently prescribed in children (p<0.001)., Conclusions: Childhood-onset EoE has differential characteristics compared with adulthood-onset, but similar response to treatment., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest AJ Lucendo has served as a speaker, and/or has received research and/or education funding and/or consulting fees from Adare/Ellodi, Dr. Falk Pharma, Regeneron, Dr. Falk Pharma and EsoCap. C. Santander received honoraria as consultant and trainer at Laborie/MMS and Medtronic Covidien AG, and received research funding from AstraZeneca, EsoCap Biotech, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adare Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH. J. Alcedo has served as a speaker, consultant and advisory member for or has received research funding from Adare Pharmaceuticals Inc, Abbvie, MSD, Allergan, and Shire Pharmaceuticals. C Gutiérrez-Junquera has received research funding from Dr. Falk Pharma. The remaining authors have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Poor adherence to clinical practice guidelines for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been described and the diagnostic delay of the disease continues to be unacceptable in many settings., Objective: To analyze the impact of improved knowledge provided by the successive international clinical practice guidelines on reducing diagnostic delay and improving the diagnostic process for European patients with EoE., Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the EoE CONNECT registry based on clinical practice. Time periods defined by the publication dates of four major sets of guidelines over 10 years were considered. Patients were grouped per time period according to date of symptom onset., Results: Data from 1,132 patients was analyzed and median (IQR) diagnostic delay in the whole series was 2.1 (0.7-6.2) years. This gradually decreased over time with subsequent release of new guidelines (p < 0.001), from 12.7 years up to 2007 to 0.7 years after 2017. The proportion of patients with stricturing of mixed phenotypes at the point of EoE diagnosis also decreased over time (41.3% vs. 16%; p < 0.001), as did EREFS scores. The fibrotic sub-score decreased from a median (IQR) of 2 (1-2) to 0 (0-1) when patients whose symptoms started up to 2007 and after 2017 were compared (p < 0.001). In parallel, symptoms measured with the Dysphagia Symptoms Score reduced significantly when patients with symptoms starting before 2007 and after 2012 were compared. A reduction in the number of endoscopies patients underwent before the one that achieved an EoE diagnosis, and the use of allergy testing as part of the diagnostic workout of EoE, also reduced significantly over time (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusion: The diagnostic work-up of EoE patients improved substantially over time at the European sites contributing to EoE CONNECT, with a dramatic reduction in diagnostic delay., (© 2022 The Authors. United European Gastroenterology Journal published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of United European Gastroenterology.)

Aim. Compare EoE-AP with EoE-D for clinical, endoscopy (EGD), histology and outcomes and also with FAP-N. Method. Symptoms, physical findings, EGD, histology, symptom scores, and treatments were recorded for the three groups. Cluster analysis was done. Results. Dysphagia and abdominal pain were different in numbers but not statistically significant between EoE-AP and EoE-D. EGD, linear furrows, white exudates were more in the EoE-D and both combined were significant (p < 0.05). EoE-D, peak and mean eosinophils (p  0.06) and eosinophilic micro abscesses (p  0.001) were higher. Follow-Up. Based on single symptom, EoE-AP had 30% (p  0.25) improvement, EoE-D 86% (p < 0.001) and similar with composite score (p  0.57 and <0.001, resp.). Patients who had follow-up, EGD: 42.8% with EoE-AP and 77.8% with EoE-D, showed single symptom improvement and the eosinophil count fell from 38.5/34.6 (peak and mean) to 31.2/30.4 (p  0.70) and from 43.6/40.8 to 25.2/22.8 (p < 0.001), respectively. FAP-N patients had similar symptom improvement like EoE-D. Cluster Analysis. EoE-AP and FAP-N were similar in clinical features and response to treatment, but EoE-D was distinctly different from EoE-AP and FAP-N. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that EoE-AP and EoE-D have different histology and outcomes. In addition, EoE-AP has clinical features similar to the FAP-N group.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are the most common inflammatory causes of pediatric dysphagia, but several other less prevalent conditions should be considered. These conditions can affect one or several aspects of the swallowing process. In some inflammatory conditions dysphagia may be an early symptom. Esophagoscopy and instrumental swallow studies are often needed to determine the underlying diagnosis and best treatment plan. In some inflammatory conditions dysphagia can portend a worse outcome and need for more aggressive treatment of the underlying condition. Consultations with speech language pathology, gastroenterology, dietetics, allergy/immunology and/or rheumatology are often needed to optimize management., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: Topical steroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and dietary interventions are recommended first- and second-line therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We investigated differences in their effectiveness in a real-world, clinical practice cohort of patients with EoE., Methods: We collected data on the efficacy of different therapies for EoE (ability to induce clinical and histologic remission) from the multicenter EoE CONNECT database-a database of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of EoE in Europe that began in 2016. We obtained data from 589 patients, treated at 11 centers, on sex, age, time of diagnosis, starting date of any therapy, response to therapy, treatment end dates, alternative treatments, and findings from endoscopy. The baseline endoscopy was used for diagnosis of EoE; second endoscopy was performed to evaluate response to first-line therapies. After changes in treatment, generally because lack of efficacy, a last endoscopy was performed. The time elapsed between endoscopies depended on the criteria of attending physicians. Clinical remission was defined by a decrease of more than 50% in Dysphagia Symptom Score; improvement in symptoms by less than 50% from baseline was considered as clinical response. Histologic remission was defined as a peak eosinophil count below 5 eosinophils/hpf. A peak eosinophil count between 5 and 14 eosinophils/hpf was considered histologic response. We identified factors associated with therapy selection and effectiveness using χ2 and multinomial logistic regression analyses RESULTS: PPIs were the first-line treatment for 76.4% of patients, followed by topical steroids (for 10.5%) and elimination diets (for 7.8%). Topical steroids were most effective in inducing clinical and histologic remission or response (in 67.7% of patients), followed by empiric elimination diets (in 52.0%), and PPIs (in 50.2%). Among the 344 patients who switched to a second-line therapy, dietary interventions were selected for 47.1% of patients, followed by PPIs (for 29.1%) and topical steroids (for 18.6%). Clinical and histologic remission or response was achieved by 80.7% of patients treated with topical steroids, 69.2% of patients given PPIs, and 41.7% of patients on empiric elimination diets. Multivariate analyses found the stricturing phenotype of EoE to be associated with selection of topical steroids over PPIs as the first-line therapy; lack of fibrotic features at initial endoscopy was associated with selection of elimination diets over topical steroids as a second-line therapy. The recruiting center was significantly associated with therapy choice; second-line treatment with topical steroids or PPIs were the only variables associated with clinical and histologic remission., Conclusions: In an analysis of data from a large cohort of patients with EoE in Europe, we found topical steroids to be the most effective at inducing clinical and histologic remission, but PPIs to be the most frequently prescribed. Treatment approaches vary with institution and presence of fibrosis or strictures., (Copyright © 2020 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, progressive, type 2 inflammatory disease of increasing prevalence, characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and reduced quality of life. A dysregulated type 2 immune response to food and aeroallergen leads to barrier dysfunction, chronic esophageal inflammation, remodeling, and fibrosis. Patients with EoE have impaired quality of life because of dysphagia and other symptoms. They may also suffer social and psychological implications of food-related illness and expensive out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment. Disease burden in EoE is often compounded by the presence of comorbid type 2 inflammatory diseases. Current conventional treatments include elimination diet, proton pump inhibitors, and swallowed topical corticosteroids, as well as esophageal dilation in patients who have developed strictures. These treatments demonstrate variable response rates and may not always provide long-term disease control. There is an unmet need for long-term histologic, endoscopic, and symptomatic disease control; for targeted therapies that can normalize the immune response to triggers, reduce chronic inflammation, and limit or prevent remodeling and fibrosis; and for earlier diagnosis, defined treatment outcomes, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on treatment. In addition, healthcare professionals need a better understanding of the patient perspective on disease burden, the disconnect between symptoms and disease activity, and the progressive nature of EoE and the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance treatment. In this review, we explore the progression of disease over the patient's lifespan, highlight the patient perspective on disease, and discuss the unmet need for effective long-term treatments., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Introduction: Currently, the diagnosis of achalasia mainly relies on invasive or radioactive examinations. This study aimed to develop a noninvasive diagnostic method for achalasia based on specific serum markers., Methods: Serum levels of profilin-1, galectin-10, immunoglobulin heavy variable 3-9, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, and transgelin-2 were measured in patients with achalasia and controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic values and thresholds were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Then, patients with dysphagia were prospectively enrolled to validate the ability of these molecules for achalasia diagnosing., Results: A total of 142 patients with achalasia and 50 nonachalasia controls (healthy volunteers and patients with reflux esophagitis) were retrospectively included. The serum levels of profilin-1, galectin-10, and transgelin-2 in patients with achalasia were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers and patients with reflux esophagitis ( P all < 0.001). Profilin-1, galectin-10, and transgelin-2 were of good performance in diagnosing achalasia, with optimal thresholds of 2,171.2, 33.9, and 1,630.6 pg/mL, respectively. Second, 40 patients with dysphagia were prospectively enrolled to the validation of achalasia. For profilin-1, the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 100.0%, 64.5%, 45.0%, and 100.0%, respectively. The figures for transgelin-2 were 65.5%, 90.9%, 95.0%, and 50.0%. When both increased, the positive predictive value reached to 100.0%. When both indexes were normal, the negative predictive value was 100.0%., Discussion: Profilin-1 and transgelin-2 were promising biomarkers for achalasia diagnosis and performed better in combination. Further multicenter studies are necessary to verify their application as preliminary screening tools for achalasia., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide oral suspension (BOS) in adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)., Methods: This post hoc analysis pooled data from two 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of BOS 2.0 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) (phase 2, NCT01642212; phase 3, NCT02605837) in patients aged 11-17 years with EoE and dysphagia. Efficacy endpoints included histologic (≤6, ≤1, and <15 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]), dysphagia symptom (≥30% reduction in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire [DSQ] scores from baseline), and clinicopathologic (≤6 eos/hpf and ≥30% reduction in DSQ scores from baseline) responses at week 12. Change from baseline to week 12 in peak eosinophil counts, DSQ scores, EoE Histology Scoring System (EoEHSS) grade (severity) and stage (extent) total score ratios (TSRs), and total EoE Endoscopic Reference Scores (EREFS) were assessed. Safety outcomes were also examined., Results: Overall, 76 adolescents were included (BOS, n = 45; placebo, n = 31). Significantly more patients who received BOS than placebo achieved histologic responses (≤6 eos/hpf: 46.7% vs 6.5%; ≤1 eos/hpf: 42.2% vs 0.0%; <15 eos/hpf: 53.3% vs 9.7%; P < 0.001) and a clinicopathologic response (31.1% vs 3.2%; P = 0.003) at week 12. More BOS-treated than placebo-treated patients achieved a dysphagia symptom response at week 12 (68.9% vs 58.1%; not statistically significant P = 0.314). BOS-treated patients had significantly greater reductions in EoEHSS grade and stage TSRs ( P < 0.001) and total EREFS ( P = 0.021) from baseline to week 12 than placebo-treated patients. BOS was well tolerated, with no clinically meaningful differences in adverse events versus placebo., Conclusions: BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d. significantly improved most efficacy outcomes in adolescents with EoE versus placebo., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Background: Food-induced immediate response of the esophagus (FIRE) is a new phenomenon that has been described in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients. It is suspected when unpleasant symptoms occur suddenly on contact of the triggering food with the esophageal surface and recur with repeated exposures. It can often be mistaken for pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) and solid food dysphagia. Data on FIRE is limited to one survey study and case reports, and there are no screening studies conducted on either adults or children with EoE. In this study, we aimed to screen children aged ≥7 years old with EoE for FIRE., Methods: Demographic data were collected from medical records. A questionnaire about FIRE was applied to all participants. Skin prick tests were done on suspected patients to identify the triggering foods. FIRE is defined as suitable clinical symptoms with suspected food allergen exposure., Results: A total of 78 patients (74.4% male, median age: 13.5 years) were included. Unpleasant and recurrent symptoms distinct from dysphagia with specific foods were reported in 16.7% of the patients, all of whom had concomitant allergic rhinitis (AR). The symptoms described by almost all patients were oropharyngeal itching and tingling (PFAS: 15.3%) excluding only one patient reporting retrosternal narrowing and pressure after specific food consumption (FIRE: 1.2%)., Conclusions: Although definitive conclusions regarding the true prevalence of FIRE cannot be made, it does not seem to be common as PFAS. However, it deserves questioning particularly in the presence of concurrent AR and/or PFAS in children with EoE., (© 2023 The Authors. Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and esophageal eosinophilia. In the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in its prevalence for reasons that are not completely understood. The underlying pathophysiology involves an antigen-mediated T H 2 immune response that draws eosinophils to the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation, esophageal remodeling, and fibrosis. This ultimately leads to esophageal dysfunction that most commonly manifests as dysphagia. In this review, we will discuss updates on key questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of EoE., (© 2020 New York Academy of Sciences.)

Abstract: A 20-year-old woman presented with dysphagia at 8 years of age. She underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies (EGD), which was diagnostic of eosinophilic esophagitis. Diet elimination resulted in improvement in symptoms, reduction in eosinophilia, and resolution of basal zone hyperplasia (BZH) on repeat EGD; however, food reintroduction resulted in recurrence of eosinophilia. Subsequently, her pulmonologist started benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-5 receptor (IL5Rα) on eosinophils, for her asthma. Seven months after starting benralizumab, she underwent EGD for persistent dysphagia, which was notable for resolution of esophageal eosinophilia but demonstrated marked BZH in association with high numbers of CD3+ T cells and tryptase+ mast cells. She transitioned to dupilumab and had resolution of dysphagia. EGD was performed 10 months after starting dupilumab and demonstrated resolution of BZH and mast cell inflammation with significant reduction in T cells. Review of other patients at our center treated with biologics, most commonly dupliumab, reveals varying degrees of BZH in association with mostly CD3+ lymphocyte inflammation. Mast cells and T cells appear to be capable of coordinating mucosal inflammation and symptoms of EoE independent of eosinophilia in a subset of patients., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 by European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated clinicopathological condition characterized by esophageal infiltration with eosinophils resulting in chronic inflammation and stricture. Summary: The recent increase in the incidence of EoE and the characteristic presentation of symptoms with difficulty swallowing and food bolus impaction has raised key concerns of clinicians as well as researchers. EoE often presents with dysphagia, food impaction, nausea, regurgitation or vomiting, and decreased appetite. It is more common in males, affecting both adults and children. The causative manner of this condition is complex and multifactorial. Throughout recent years, researchers have made a significant contribution to understanding the pathogenesis of EoE, genetic background, natural history, work on allergy, and standardization in the evaluation of disease activity. There is relatively high prevalence of EoE among the population, emphasizing the importance of this disease. Key messages: Esophageal involvement with eosinophils may be manifested as isolated or with coexisting conditions and should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis. This study aimed to provide gastroenterologists with novel insights into the evaluation of esophageal involvement with eosinophils and to pay special attention to the etiological factors, coexisting clinical diseases, and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have risen rapidly, especially in Western countries, with cases in Japan also showing a gradual increase in recent years. However, similarities and differences regarding the characteristics of EoE between Western countries and Japan remain to be clearly elucidated. The current clinical guidelines for diagnosis include symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and dense eosinophilic infiltration in the esophageal epithelium. Most affected patients in Japan are diagnosed incidentally during a medical health check-up and asymptomatic cases with typical endoscopic findings suggestive of EoE are frequently encountered. Clinical characteristics of EoE in Japanese are similar to those seen in Western populations. The predominant symptom is dysphagia, with food impaction extremely rare in Japanese cases. Linear furrows are the most frequently reported characteristic endoscopic finding, while an esophageal stricture or narrow caliber is rarely observed. Treatment strategies for EoE include drugs, dietary restrictions, and endoscopic dilation when the disease is advanced with stricture formation. Although single therapy using a proton-pump inhibitor has been shown to achieve symptomatic and histological response in the majority of patients in Japan, no prospective randomized control studies that evaluated drug or elimination diet therapy have been presented. Overall, EoE has similar clinical characteristics between Japanese and Western populations, while disease severity seems to be milder in Japan. Additional studies are necessary to determine genetic factors, natural history of the disease, and treatment efficacy of drugs and elimination diet as compared to Western populations., (© 2020 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background:  Intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus (EIPD) is a rare disease leading to dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis is difficult, and the disease can be confounded with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We present a patient with esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis and a literature review., Case Report:  The 45-year-old white caucasian woman with a history of nicotine and alcohol abuse had progressive hoarseness and severe dysphagia for solid food. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed proximal esophageal stenosis, thrush esophagitis, and mucosal alteration with trachealization suspicious of EoE. However, repeated bouginage EGD and barium swallow revealed typical signs of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD). The patient was treated successfully by bougingage, acid suppression, and antifungal therapy. The literature analysis revealed the characteristics of EIPD according to age, sex, risk factors, and therapy modalities., Conclusion:  The case report and the literature overview suggest that EIPD can be confounded with EoE., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus that is quickly becoming a more recognized cause of esophageal dysfunction and dysphagia. The cause of EoE is thought to be due to an inflammatory response triggered by exposure to dietary or environmental antigens. Symptoms may be progressive and include reflux, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and reduction in quality of life. Both children and adults may be affected. Initial treatments for EoE have focused on elimination diets to potentially identify and remove dietary triggers, acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors, and topical delivery of orally administered swallowed corticosteroids. These therapies are often ineffective in a large proportion of patients, leading to exploration of other approaches by focusing on cytokines involved in the inflammatory response. Most recently, dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 received approval for use in patients aged 12 years or older with EoE. Use of dupilumab has seen favorable improvements in disease progression and symptoms with chronic use. Other therapies targeting IL-5, such as mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab are currently being studied for use in EoE. Therapies targeting other key inflammatory mediators in EoE, such as Siglec-8 (lirentelimab), IL-13 (cendakimab), and the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (etrasimod) are currently being evaluated in clinical trials., (© 2023 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.)

An involvement of the esophagus in patients with lichen planus was described for the first time in 1982. Ever since, it has been seen as a rarity. However, studies over the last 10 years have shown a higher prevalence than expected. It may even be supposed that esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is more common than eosinophilic esophagitis. ELP mostly affects middleaged women. The principal symptom is dysphagia. Endoscopically, ELP is characterized by denudation and tearing of the mucosa, trachealization and hyperkeratosis and esophageal stenosis may occur in patients with long courses of the disease. Histologic findings including mucosal detachment, T-lymphocytic infiltrate, intraepithelial apoptosis (civatte bodies) and dyskeratosis are crucial. Direct immunofluorescence shows fibrinogen deposits along the basement membrane zone. So far, there is no well-established therapy but a treatment with topic steroids is effective in 2/3 of the patients. Common therapy of lichen planus of the skin seems to be ineffective for treatment of ELP. Symptomatic esophageal stenosis should be endoscopically dilated. ELP joins the group of "new" immunologic diseases of the esophagus., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. This real-world study used patient and physician surveys to describe the clinical characteristics and disease burden of eosinophilic esophagitis—overall and in a subgroup of patients with dysphagia despite treatment. Methods: Data analyzed in this study were collected in 2020 from US and EU patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 12 years with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis, had an esophageal count of ≥ 15 eosinophils/high-power field at diagnosis, and were currently prescribed treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis. Results: Overall, 1001 patients were included, of whom 356 (36%) had dysphagia despite treatment. Demographics and clinical characteristics were similar in both populations. The severity of eosinophilic esophagitis was mild in more patients overall (69%) versus those with dysphagia despite treatment (48%). Patient disease history was similar in both populations, with some exceptions: common patient-reported symptoms were dysphagia (70% and 86%) and heartburn/acid reflux (55% and 49%), and common physician-reported symptoms were dysphagia (75% and 91%) and food impaction (46% and 52%). Treatment history was similar in both populations; overall, the most common treatments were proton pump inhibitors (83%) and topical corticosteroids (51%). Patients reported slightly more days with symptoms, higher impacts on activities of daily living, and slightly higher anxiety or depression in the dysphagia-despite-treatment population versus the overall population. Conclusions: Eosinophilic esophagitis presents severe symptoms and comorbidities that substantially impact patients' well-being and quality of life. Greater awareness of and novel treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mixed and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy is a subset of immune‐mediated adverse food reactions that can impose a major burden on the quality of life of affected patients and their families. Clinical trials to study these diseases are reliant upon consistent and valid outcome measures that are relevant to both patients and clinicians, but the degree to which such stringent outcome reporting takes place is poorly studied. Objective: As part of the Core Outcome Measures for Food Allergy (COMFA) project, we identified outcomes reported in randomized clinical trials (RCT) of treatments for mixed or non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy. Design: In this systematic review, we searched the Ovid, MEDLINE and Embase databases for RCTs in children or adults investigating treatments for food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome, food protein‐induced allergic proctocolitis, food protein‐induced enteropathy and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders including eosinophilic esophagitis [EoE], eosinophilic gastritis and eosinophilic colitis published until 14 October 2022. Results: Twenty‐six eligible studies were identified, with 23 focused on EoE (88%). Most interventions were corticosteroids or monoclonal antibodies. All EoE studies assessed patient‐reported dysphagia, usually using a non‐validated questionnaire. Twenty‐two of 23 EoE studies used peak tissue eosinophil count as the primary outcome, usually using a non‐validated assessment method, and other immunological markers were only exploratory. Thirteen (57%) EoE studies reported endoscopic outcomes of which six used a validated scoring tool recently recommended as a core outcome for EoE trials. Funding source was not obviously associated with likelihood of an RCT reporting mechanistic versus patient‐reported outcomes. Only 3 (12%) RCTs concerned forms of food allergy other than EoE, and they reported on fecal immunological markers and patient‐reported outcomes. Conclusions: Outcomes measured in clinical trials of EoE and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy are heterogeneous and largely non‐validated. Core outcomes for EoE have been developed and need to be used in future trials. For other forms of mixed or non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies, core outcome development is needed to support the development of effective treatments. Systematic review registration: OSF public registry DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/AZX8S [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) is a patient-reported outcome measure that assesses the frequency and severity of dysphagia in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, it has only been validated for use in patients with EoE aged 11–40 years. This study examined the content validity of the DSQ and its usability on an electronic handheld device in children aged 7–10 years with EoE. Methods: In this qualitative, observational cohort study, participants were recruited to partake in two rounds of interviews. During visit 1, a cognitive interview examined EoE-associated concepts and the appropriateness of the DSQ for assessing dysphagia. Participants completed the DSQ daily for 2 weeks, and DSQ scores were calculated. After 2 weeks, a second interview assessed the usability of the DSQ on the electronic device and the burden associated with completing it daily. Results: Overall, 16 participants were included (aged 7–8 years: n = 8; aged 9–10 years: n = 8); most were male (75%) and white (81%), and the mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 8.4 (1.3) years. The most commonly reported EoE-associated concept was 'trouble with swallowing' (63% [10/16]). Most participants reported that the questions were 'easy to complete' and 'relevant to someone with EoE and dysphagia'. Overall, participants reported understanding the questions and associated responses; however, further probing demonstrated inconsistent comprehension. Key challenging concepts included 'solid food', 'trouble swallowing', 'vomit', and 'relief'; some participants also reported difficulty differentiating between pain levels (31% [4/13]). Most caregivers reported that their child had experienced dysphagia (94% [15/16]); however, mean (SD) DSQ scores over the study period were low (7.3 [7.4]), suggesting infrequent and mild dysphagia, or a lack of comprehension of the questions. Most participants reported that completing the DSQ on the electronic device was easy (93% [14/15]) and they would be willing to complete it for longer than 2 weeks (73% [11/15]). Conclusions: Difficulties with comprehension and comprehensiveness suggest that the DSQ may not be sufficiently comprehensive for use in all patients in this population, and wording/phrasing changes are required before use in a clinical trial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have evaluated the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) with high-resolution manometry (HRM) in some esophageal diseases, but not eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the function of the UES across EoE, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dysphagia (FD), and the relationship with esophageal symptoms, esophageal body contraction, and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) metrics. Methods: HRM was performed on 30 EoE, 18 GERD, and 29 FD patients according to the Chicago Classification 3.0. The study data were exported to the online analysis platform Swallow Gateway. The UES was assessed in terms of UES Resting Pressure (UES-RP), UES Basal Pressure (UES-BP), UES Integrated Relaxation Pressure (UES-IRP), UES Relaxation Time (UES-RT), Basal UES Contractile Integral (Basal UES-CI), Post-Deglutitive UES Contractile Integral (Post-Deglutitive UES-CI), and Proximal Contractile Integral (PCI). Results: ANOVA analysis showed significantly higher values of Post-Deglutitive UES-CI in EoE patients compared with FD patients (p = 0.001). Basal UES-CI and UES-RP showed significantly higher values in EoE (p = 0.002, p = 0.038) and GERD (p < 0.001, p = 0.001) patients compared with FD patients. Correlations between LES-CI and Post-Deglutitive UES-CI, Basal UES-CI, and UES-RP (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.027, p = 0.017, respectively), and between LES-BP and Post-Deglutitive UES-CI (p = 0.019), independent of diagnosis, were shown. No correlations have been demonstrated between the UES, EGJ metrics, and esophageal symptoms. Conclusions: Some differences in UES metrics in the three different diseases were found. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of our pilot study and possible applications in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, local immune‐mediated esophageal disease, characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil‐predominant inflammation. Other systemic and local causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded. Clinical manifestations or pathologic data should not be interpreted in isolation. EoE was first described as a distinct disease entity in 1993. Most patients are diagnosed with underlying food allergies. The first diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines were published in 2007 with a first update in 2011. In 2017, new international guidelines were published based on the GRADE methodology. These guidelines provide, among many other topics, insights on the role of proton pump inhibitor‐responsive esophageal eosinophilia. Over the last two decades, considerable progress was made by stakeholders regarding the understanding of EoE's pathogenesis, genetic background, natural history, allergy workup, standardization of assessment of disease activity, evaluation of minimally invasive diagnostic tools, and new therapeutic approaches. This brief review provides further insights into latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, local immune‐mediated esophageal disease, characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil‐predominant inflammation. Over the last two decades, considerable progress was made by stakeholders regarding the understanding of EoE's pathogenesis, genetic background, natural history, allergy workup, standardization of assessment of disease activity, evaluation of minimally invasive diagnostic tools, and new therapeutic approaches. This brief review provides further insights into latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus associated with dysphagia and esophageal fibrosis. The incidence of EoE is not precisely known, and significant heterogeneity in study design and disease definition have led to widely variable estimates. Through the ESPRESSO (Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden) study we performed a nationwide population-based study to estimate the incidence and temporal patterns of biopsy-verified EoE., Methods: Between October 2015 and April 2017, we contacted all pathology departments in Sweden (n = 28) to obtain biopsy report data on EoE. To assure a high degree of completeness, we restricted the study to 2004-2015. We then calculated age-specific and age-standardized incidence rates., Results: We identified 1412 incident EoE cases between 2004-2015. The overall age-standardized incidence rates of EoE in Sweden was 1.22 per 100,000 person-years. During the study period, there was a significant increase of 33% [95%CI = 31-36%] (P < 0.001) per year in EoE incidence, and in the last 3 years of follow-up (2013-2015) the incidence was 2.79 per 100,000 person-years. This corresponds to a lifetime risk of biopsy-verified EoE for men of 0.33% (1 in 295 men) and for women 0.12% (1 in 813 women). We observed an early peak of EoE disgnosed at age 15-19 years for both males and females, and a second peak in the late 30 s for males, and early 40 s for females. We noted a 3:1 male-to-female predominance, which did not significantly vary over time., Conclusions: EoE seems to be increasing in Sweden, with an overall age-standardized incidence of EoE of 1.22 per 100,000 person-years in the last decade., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Japan Esophageal Society.)

Introduction: To investigate the adherence to prescribed medical and dietary maintenance treatments in a cohort of adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and to identify associated factors., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, adult patients with EoE who were prescribed medical or dietary maintenance therapy were included. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires concerning treatment adherence (Medication Adherence Rating Scale), beliefs about treatment (Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire), beliefs about disease (Illness Perception Questionnaire), and current symptoms (Straumann Dysphagia Index)., Results: A total of 177 patients with EoE (71% males) were included, with a median age of 43 years. The overall prevalence of poor adherence to prescribed treatments (Medication Adherence Rating Scale &lt; 21 or Diet Adherence Rating Scale &lt; 21) in this cohort was high, being 41.8%. Medically treated patients seemed less adherent to prescribed treatment compared with patients prescribed a diet (35.1% vs 41.8%, P = 0.320). Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the following independent factors associated with poor treatment adherence: age &lt;40 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.571, 95% CI 1.195-5.532, P = 0.016), longer disease duration in years (OR 1.130, 95% CI 1.014-1.258, P = 0.027), severe symptoms (Straumann Dysphagia Index) (OR 1.167, 95% CI 1.012-1.345, P = 0.034), and low necessity beliefs (OR 4.423, 95% CI 2.169-9.016, P &lt; 0.001)., Discussion: Adherence to maintenance treatment is poor in many adult patients with EoE. Clinicians should pay more attention to treatment adherence, particularly in younger patients, and discuss the necessity of treatment., (Copyright © 2022 by The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Objectives: Few pediatric data on phenotypic aspects of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are available. The pEEr registry was developed to prospectively characterize children with EoE from Europe and Israel., Methods: pEEr is an ongoing prospective registry enrolling children with esophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eos/HPF). Anonymized data were collected from 19 pediatric centers. Data regarding demographics, clinical manifestations, endoscopy, histology, and therapies were collected., Results: A total of 582 subjects (61% male) were analyzed. The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 5.7-17.7], whereas the age at symptom onset was 9.2 years (IQR: 4.3-16.4), resulting in a median diagnostic delay of 1.2 years (IQR: 0.7-2.3). The diagnostic delay was longer below age <6 years. Shorter diagnostic delays were associated with the presence of food allergy or a family history for EoE. Symptoms varied by age with dysphagia and food impaction more common in adolescents, while vomiting and failure to thrive more common in younger children ( P < 0.001). Among endoscopic findings, esophageal rings were more common in adolescents, whereas exudates were more frequent in younger children( P < 0.001). Patients who responded to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were more likely to be older, males, and less often presented severe endoscopic findings. Patients unresponsive to PPIs received topical steroids (40%), elimination diet (41%), or a combined therapy (19%)., Conclusions: EoE findings vary according to age in pediatric EoE. Young children are commonly characterized by non-specific symptoms, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and inflammatory endoscopic lesions. Adolescents usually have dysphagia or food impaction, fibrostenotic lesions, and a better PPI response., Competing Interests: Noam Zevit: consultation fees – Dr Falk Pharma, Adare Pharmaceuticals; speaker fees – Rafa inc and Sanofi. Salvatore Oliva: consultation fees – Medtronic, Ocean Farma; speaker fees – Medtronic. Marcus Karl-Heinz Auth – consultation fees: Dr Falk Pharma; educational grants: Nutricia, Mead Johnson. Alexandra Papadopoulou: research grants from Abbvie, United Pharmaceuticals, Dr Falk Pharma GmbH, Takeda, AstraZeneca; speaker or consultation fees from Adare Pharmaceuticals, Dr Falk Pharma GmbH, Specialty Therapeutics, Uni-Pharma Pharmaceuticals Laboratories S.A., Cross Pharmaceuticals, Petsiavas, Nestle, Touch Independent Medical Education, and Sanofi-Aventis. The remaining authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 by European Society for European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Background: Dysphagia is the main symptom of adult eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We describe a novel syndrome, referred to as "food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus" (FIRE), observed in EoE patients. Methods: Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus is an unpleasant/painful sensation, unrelated to dysphagia, occurring immediately after esophageal contact with specific foods. Eosinophilic esophagitis experts were surveyed to estimate the prevalence of FIRE, characterize symptoms, and identify food triggers. We also surveyed a large group of EoE patients enrolled in the Swiss EoE Cohort Study for FIRE. Results: Response rates were 82% (47/57) for the expert and 65% (239/368) for the patient survey, respectively. Almost, 90% of EoE experts had observed the FIRE symptom complex in their patients. Forty percent of EoE patients reported experiencing FIRE, more commonly in patients who developed EoE symptoms at a younger age (mean age of 46.4 years vs 54.1 years without FIRE; P <.01) and in those with high allergic comorbidity. Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus symptoms included narrowing, burning, choking, and pressure in the esophagus appearing within 5 minutes of ingesting a provoking food that lasted less than 2 hours. Symptom severity rated a median 7 points on a visual analogue scale from 1 to 10. Fresh fruits/vegetables and wine were the most frequent triggers. Endoscopic food removal was significantly more commonly reported in male patients with vs without FIRE (44.3% vs 27.6%; P =.03). Conclusions: Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus is a novel syndrome frequently reported in EoE patients, characterized by an intense, unpleasant/painful sensation occurring rapidly and reproducibly in 40% of surveyed EoE patients after esophageal contact with specific foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated disease that manifests with dysphagia and is characterized by the predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. Several instruments have been developed to assess the symptoms of EoE: the Daily Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ), EoE Activity Index (EEsAI), Pediatric EoE Symptom Severity (PEESSv2), etc. The use of the EREFS is a gold standard for endoscopic diagnosis. The EoE histologic scoring system (EoEHSS) was elaborated for the assessment of histological features in EoE. However, the remission criteria are not clearly defined and vary greatly in different studies. Gastroenterologists establish the severity of EoE mainly based on endoscopic findings. At the same time, EoE requires a multidisciplinary approach. The recently developed Index of Severity of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (I-SEE) that is built on symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histological features is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is thought to be an atopic disorder causing dysphagia. HIV patients have dysphagia from both common (reflux esophagitis) and uncommon causes (idiopathic esophageal ulceration). Only a single case report about the occurrence of EoE in an HIV patient exists in literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if HIV and EoE occur concurrently using a large inpatient database. Methods: Data on hospital admissions of all HIV adult patients were extracted from the 2002–2014 National Inpatient Sample. Comorbidities and outcomes of interest were defined by querying all diagnostic and procedural fields for the corresponding ICD-9 codes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between HIV and EoE. Similarly, we assessed the relation between HIV and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE). Results: The total population comprised of 101,137,145 patients, of which 231,691 (0.229%) have HIV and 5038 (0.004%) have EoE. HIV patients were younger (45.2 vs 48 years old and more likely to be male (62.2% vs 41.5%) and African American (53.9% vs 14.2%) compared to non-HIV patients (P < 0.001 for all). After adjusting for potential cofounding factors, HIV patients had a statistically significant higher rate of EoE (Odds Ratio 2.108, with 95% confidence interval 1.268-3.506, P = 0.004) compared to the non-HIV group. On the other hand, HIV was not associated with increased risk of EGE (Odds Ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.109-5.557, P = 0.804). Conclusion: Patients with HIV are twice as likely to have EoE compared to those without HIV. Evaluation of dysphagia in HIV patients should include assessment for EoE, especially when empiric antifungal therapy for candida esophagitis does not improve clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with increasing prevalence. However, epidemiologic data have mostly been acquired from small studies. We sought to describe the epidemiology of EoE in the USA, utilizing a large database.Methods: We queried a commercial database (Explorys Inc, Cleveland, OH, USA), an aggregate of electronic health record data from 26 major integrated US healthcare systems from 1999 to July 2015. We identified an aggregated patient cohort of eligible patients with EoE and a history of proton-pump inhibitor use between July 2010 and July 2015, based on Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms. We calculated the prevalence of EoE among different patient groups.Results: Of the 30,301,440 individuals in the database, we identified 7840 patients with EoE with an overall prevalence of 25.9/100,000 persons. Prevalence was higher in males than females [odds ratio (OR) 2.00; 95 % CI 1.92-2.10, p < 0.0001], Caucasians versus African-Americans and Asians (OR 2.00; 95 % CI 1.86-2.14, p < 0.0001), and adults (18-65 years) versus elderly (>65 years) and children (<18 years) (OR 1.63; 95 % CI 1.54-1.71, p < 0.0001). Compared with controls (individuals in database without EoE), individuals with EoE were more likely to have other gastrointestinal diagnoses such as dysphagia and at least one allergic condition.Conclusions: In this large study, we found that the estimated prevalence of EoE in the USA is 25.9/100,000, which is at the lower end of prevalence rates reported in the USA and other industrial countries. We confirmed that EoE has a strong association with allergic and gastrointestinal diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal subepithelial activity (ESEA) is an important determinant of disease severity and complications in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Inflammation and fibrosis of the lamina propria and muscularis propria result in esophageal dysfunction and stricture formation that are clinically manifest by symptoms of dysphagia and food impaction as well as the need for esophageal dilation. Esophageal biopsies that are limited to the evaluation of the esophageal epithelium are an inadequate means to assess overall, clinical disease severity in EoE. Instruments for the assessment of subepithelial activity in EoE are both limited and/or underutilized and thus represent an important unmet clinical need. Studies using endoscopic features, endoscopic ultrasonography, and barium esophagography have demonstrated improvement in ESEA parameters with topical steroid therapy. Impedance planimetry is being evaluated as an objective and quantifiable measure of esophageal distensibility that is a consequence of ESEA. In conjunction with symptom and histologic assessment, evaluation of ESEA provides a more complete evaluation of disease activity in EoE that will enhance clinical care as well as provide insights into the strengths and limitations of therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) presents with dysphagia, but data about motility patterns using high-resolution manometry (HRM) are rare. We aimed at evaluating esophageal motility patterns in EoE and their correlation to endoscopic and dysphagia scores. Methods: Twenty-six EoE patients and 23 controls were included after 4 weeks of treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Dysphagia and endoscopic scores were evaluated before performing HRM. EoE patients were classified to have fibrostenotic (FS) or inflammatory (IF) type. HRM analysis was performed according to the Chicago classification (CC) system. Results: According to the CC, the HRM findings in EoE and controls were normal in 11 (42%) and 20 (88.5%), p < 0.0001. Weak and failed peristaltic integrity was only seen in EoE patients (failed 1/2.7%, weak 7/26.9%, p = 0.004). Of the EoE patients, 17 had IF and 9 presented with FS type. HRM parameters showed no differences according to the EoE subtype. The endoscopic score in the FS subtype was significantly higher than in EoE with IF subtype (5.33 vs. 3.58, p = 0.001). No significant difference was seen in dysphagia scores in EoE subtypes. Discussion: HRM findings in EoE are often diagnostic, but they are non-specific and do not correlate with the severity of dysphagia or endoscopic appearance. The clinical impact of HRM in EoE needs further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) causes dysphagia, esophageal narrowing, and strictures, it could result in low body mass index (BMI), but there are few data assessing this.Aim: To determine whether EoE is associated with decreased BMI.Methods: We conducted a prospective study at the University of North Carolina from 2009 to 2013 enrolling consecutive adults undergoing outpatient EGD. BMI and endoscopic findings were recorded. Incident cases of EoE were diagnosed per consensus guidelines. Controls had either reflux or dysphagia, but not EoE. BMI was compared between cases and controls and by endoscopic features.Results: Of 120 EoE cases and 297 controls analyzed, the median BMI was lower in EoE cases (25 vs. 28 kg/m2, p = 0.002). BMI did not differ by stricture presence (26 vs. 26 kg/m2, p = 0.05) or by performance of dilation (26 vs. 27 kg/m2 for undilated; p = 0.16). However, BMI was lower in patients with narrow caliber esophagus (24 vs. 27 kg/m2, p < 0.001). EoE patients with narrow caliber esophagus also had decreased BMI compared to controls with narrow caliber esophagi (24 vs. 27 kg/m2, p = 0.001). On linear regression after adjustment for age, race, and gender, narrowing decreased BMI by 2.3 kg/m2 [95% CI -4.1, -0.6].Conclusions: BMI is lower in EoE cases compared to controls, and esophageal narrowing, but not focal stricture, is associated with a lower BMI in patients with EoE. Weight loss or low BMI in a patient suspected of having EoE should raise concern for esophageal remodeling causing narrow caliber esophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

y Eosinophilic esophagitis ( EoE) has only rarely been reported in esophageal atresia ( EA) patients. A retrospective case analysis of all EA patients born at our center between January 1999 and April 2012 was performed. A total of 113 of patients were identified; 10 patients were excluded as a result of inadequate data. Eighteen patients (17%) were diagnosed with EoE. The average number of eosinophilis was 30/high-power field ( HPF) (19/ HPF-80/ HPF). The median age for diagnosis of EoE was 1 year and 6 months (8 months-8 years and 7 months). Children with EoE had a significantly greater incidence of reflux symptoms, dysphagia, tracheomalacia, and 'hypoxic spells' ( P < 0.05). EoE patients also underwent significantly more surgery including fundoplication and aortopexy when compared with those without EoE ( P < 0.0001). Although the incidence of gastrostomy was greater in the EoE group (33% vs. 13%), this was not statistically significant. Half of the EoE patients had a coexisting atopic condition at time of diagnosis. The commonest condition was asthma 7/18 (38%) followed by specific food allergy 6/18 (33%). EoE was treated in 11 patients with either swallowed fluticasone or budesonide slurry. All improved clinically. Histologically, five had complete resolution and six had partial improvement. Six children with EoE were treated with acid suppression alone. All improved clinically, and 5/6 had subsequent histological resolution. One child who received acid suppression and an exclusion diet also improved. Seven patients (38%) had an esophageal stricture at time of EoE diagnosis. Five were dilated at time of the initial endoscopy, prior to the diagnosis of EoE being available. Two patients had resolution of their strictures on medical treatment of their EoE alone and did not require further dilatation. EoE was seen in 17% of children with EA in this study. EoE should be considered in EA patients with persistent symptoms on standard reflux treatment, increasing dysphagia, and recurrent strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A proportion of patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have a normal-appearing esophagus on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We aimed to determine the associations between the baseline clinical features and the endoscopically normal esophagus in EoE, as well as time trends in reporting.Methods: In this retrospective study of active EoE cases from 2002 - 2018, patients with and without esophageal endoscopic abnormalities were compared. Multivariable logistic regression identified the independent predictors of a normal EGD. The proportion of patients with a normal EGD was determined per year, and before and after the introduction of the first EoE guidelines and the EoE Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS).Results: Of 878 EoE patients, 101 (11.5 %) had an endoscopically normal esophagus; they were younger (8.3 vs. 25.4 years), had shorter median symptom duration before diagnosis (2.8 vs. 5.0 years), were less likely to have dysphagia (40 % vs. 76 %) or food impaction (8 % vs. 33 %), and more likely to have abdominal pain (37 % vs. 19 %) (P < 0.01 for all). On multivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of a normal esophagus were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.94 - 0.98), abdominal pain (OR 2.03, 95 %CI 1.13 - 3.67), and lack of dysphagia (OR 0.49, 95 %CI 0.26 - 0.93). The proportion of patients with a normal esophagus decreased from 21 % before the first EoE guidelines to 7 % (P < 0.01) after introduction of the EREFS.Conclusions: An endoscopically normal esophagus is seen in ~10 % of active EoE patients and should not preclude biopsies; younger age, abdominal pain, and lack of dysphagia are independent predictors. The proportion of normal EGDs decreased over time, suggesting improved recognition of endoscopic findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic, immune-mediated, clinicopathologic, inflammatory disorder, has been well described in the pediatric and adult Caucasian population but not as well studied in the Hispanic population. The major aims of this study are to determine the prevalence and gene expression profile of EoE in these populations.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients from two institutions predominantly serving a Hispanic population. Patients included at Los Angeles County Hospital (LACH) had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and esophageal biopsies performed for evaluation of dysphagia and/or food impaction, while patients included from the University Hospital Medical Center of El Paso (UHMCEP) had an EGD and esophageal biopsies performed for any appropriate clinical indication. Gene expression analysis which has been shown to accurately diagnose EOE in Caucasians was performed for 9 patients at UHMCEP to determine its accuracy in Hispanics.Results: At LACH, 234 patients were included in the study of whom 155 (66.3%) were Hispanic and 22 (9.4%) were Caucasian. 3.2% of the Hispanic patients and 9.1% of the Caucasian patients were diagnosed with EOE with threefold difference. At UHMCEP 1700 patients were included of whom 1350 (79.4%) were Hispanic and 179 (10.5%) were Caucasian. 0.96% of the Hispanic patients and 7.26% of the Caucasian patients were diagnosed with EOE with a sevenfold difference. Gene expression accurately diagnosed EOE in a small number of both Hispanics and Caucasians who underwent analysis.Conclusions: Hispanic patients at LAC and UMHCEP had a significantly lower prevalence of EOE as compared to Caucasians at these two institutions and a lower prevalence as compared to Caucasians with EOE previously reported in the literature. Gene expression analysis, which has previously been shown to accurately diagnose EOE in Caucasian patients, accurately diagnosed EOE in a small sample of this Hispanic population. Based on this similar gene expression, other factors such as environmental, ethnic, and cultural causes should be investigated to explain the markedly lower prevalence of EOE in Hispanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated food antigen-driven disease characterized by tissue eosinophilia and clinical symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Medical and dietary therapies can be offered as treatment options in both pediatric and adult populations. Advances in nutritional research in EoE have produced different levels of dietary restriction, ranging from elimination of a single food group to more extensive restriction such as the two-food elimination diet, four-food elimination diet, or six-food elimination diet. Efficacy and outcomes vary for each level of restriction. The option of using dietary therapy allows clinicians to partner with patients in shared decision-making to balance the right level of food antigen restriction for the desired outcome. Key considerations when choosing dietary therapy hinge on patient preference and resources, food-related quality of life, and the ability to provide nutritional diversity and maintain nutritional parameters. This article highlights these considerations and offers clinical pearls to guide clinicians who wish to incorporate dietary therapy of EoE into their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease which may progress to a fibro‐stenotic phenotype due to esophageal sub‐epithelial fibrosis. Esophageal wall thickening in patients with EoE has been demonstrated in a few studies using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess the endoscopic appearance, wall thickness, histology, and dysphagia score of EoE patients. Methods: Patients with EoE were recruited and studied between February 2012 and April 2021. Patients were evaluated on two separate occasions at least 12 months apart with endoscopy, EUS, and esophageal mucosal biopsies. The dysphagia score and epidemiology data were also assessed. Results: A total of 16 EoE patients were included with a mean follow‐up duration of 2.2 ± 1.2 years. In 14/16 (88%) patients, the total wall thickness of the distal esophagus significantly increased (P = 0.0012) as a result of thickening of the muscularis propria (P = 0.0218). However, only 1/14 (7%) patient had an increase in the dysphagia score, while 8/14 (57%) and 5/14 (36%) had a stable and reduced dysphagia score, respectively. No differences were found in the total thickness of other esophageal regions, dysphagia score, endoscopic appearance, and eosinophil count over time. Conclusion: Distal esophageal wall thickness increases with time in EoE patients, independent of the dysphagia score and eosinophil count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus that affects an estimated 34.4/100 000 people in Europe and North America. EoE affects both children and adults, and causes dysphagia, food impaction of the esophagus, and esophageal strictures.Observations: EoE is defined by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, such as vomiting, dysphagia, or feeding difficulties, in a patient with an esophageal biopsy demonstrating at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field in the absence of other conditions associated with esophageal eosinophilia such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or achalasia. Genetic factors and environmental factors, such as exposure to antibiotics early in life, are associated with EoE. Current therapies include proton pump inhibitors; topical steroid preparations, such as fluticasone and budesonide; dietary therapy with amino acid formula or empirical food elimination; and endoscopic dilation. In a systematic review of observational studies that included 1051 patients with EoE, proton pump inhibitor therapy was associated with a histologic response, defined as less than 15 eosinophils per high-power field on endoscopic biopsy, in 41.7% of patients, while placebo was associated with a 13.3% response rate. In a systematic review of 8 randomized trials of 437 patients with EoE, topical corticosteroid treatment was associated with histologic remission in 64.9% of patients compared with 13.3% for placebo. Patients with esophageal narrowing may require dilation. Objective assessment of therapeutic response typically requires endoscopy with biopsy.Conclusions and Relevance: EoE has a prevalence of approximately 34.4/100 000 worldwide. Treatments consist of proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids, elemental diet, and empirical food elimination, with esophageal dilation reserved for patients with symptomatic esophageal narrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between histologic disease activity in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and generic measures of quality of life (QoL) is unclear. Aims: To determine differences in QoL in adults with EoE based on histologic activity and assess changes in QoL over time. Methods: We performed an analysis of prospectively collected data from patients in the University of North Carolina EoE Registry. Patients were categorized with histologically active (≥ 15 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]) or inactive (< 15 eos/hpf) disease. Dysphagia severity was measured with a Likert scale. QoL was measured with 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), compared between active and inactive groups, and assessed longitudinally. Results: Of 147 EoE cases, those with inactive disease (n = 56) reported less dysphagia severity (3.2 vs. 1.9; p = 0.003) and had lower endoscopic severity (3.8 vs. 1.0; p < 0.001) than those with active disease (n = 91). While SF-36 scores did not differ between active and inactive status, lower mental component scores (MCS) were seen in patients treated with empiric dietary elimination (44.9 vs. 50.8; p = 0.005). Dysphagia severity was negatively correlated with both physical component score (PCS) (r = −0.33; p < 0.001) and MCS (r = −0.18; p = 0.03). Despite more cases achieving histologic response over time, SF-36 scores did not improve on either raw or adjusted analyses. Conclusion: QoL measured by SF-36 in EoE was similar regardless of histologic disease activity and was in the range of population averages. General QoL metrics like the SF-36 do not appear to have substantial utility in EoE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a leading cause of food bolus impaction in children and adults. The mechanism of dysphagia in EoE, particularly non-obstructive dysphagia, remains incompletely understood. While fibrostenotic processes appear to be critical in the development of dysphagia, somatosensory dysfunction and dysmotility also contribute. This review considers potential mechanisms of dysphagia and evaluates the utility of current and future treatment strategies in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition causing recurrent dysphagia and may predispose patients to repeated hospitalizations. We assessed temporal trends and factors affecting readmissions in patients with EoE. Methods Patients with primary diagnosis of EoE and/or a complication (dysphagia, weight loss, and esophageal perforation) from EoE between 2010 and 2017 were identified from the National Readmissions Database using the International Classification of Diseases codes. The primary outcome was incidence of EoE related 30-day readmission. Independent risk factors for readmissions were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were temporal trends of readmissions and healthcare costs. Results Of the 2,676 (mean age 45 ± 17.8 years, 1,667 males) index adult admissions, 2,103 (79%) patients underwent an upper endoscopy during the admission. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 3 ± 3.7 days. The 30-day readmission rate was steady at 6.8% from 2010 to 2017 and majority of the readmissions occurred by day 10 of index discharge. Age > 70 years was associated with a higher trend in 30-day readmission (P  < 0.001). Longer LOS, history of smoking and the presence of eosinophilic gastroenteritis predicted readmission. Conversely, a history of foreign body impaction and upper endoscopy (including esophageal dilation) at index admission were negatively associated with readmission. Mean hospital charges significantly increased from $24,783 in 2010 to $40,922 in 2017. Conclusion Readmissions due to EoE are more likely to occur in the first 10 days of discharge and at a lesser rate when upper endoscopies are performed at the index admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objective: The involvement of hydrochloric acid in the etiology of eosinophilic esophagitis and numerous reports on its coexistence and interaction with reflux disease, as well as the rings of the esophageal mucosa formed with the advancement of the disease, suggest a potential association of eosinophilic esophagitis with another disorder of esophageal morphology potentially caused by exposure to acid reflux-Schatzki ring. Therefore, it seems reasonable to check the relationship of eosinophilic esophagitis with the coexistence of the Schatzki ring as a potential effect of advanced esophageal trachealization, which is the subject of this systematic review with a meta-analysis., Methods: The protocol of this meta-analysis was performed according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. A systematic search of the indexed literature in the MEDLINE and Scopus databases from early to December 2019 was performed to identify all original research articles on the association between the occurrence of the Schatzki ring and eosinophilic esophagitis in adults., Results: Out of 68 searched studies, after the analysis and evaluation of the works, only 4 met the criteria set according to the protocol and were included in the meta-analysis. Based on the performed meta-analysis, no relationship was found between the occurrence of Schatzki ring and eosinophilic esophagitis., Conclusion: The present study did not show a significant relationship between the occurrence of the Schatzki ring and eosinophilic esophagitis in the adult population, which suggests that these are two independent causes of dysphagia in this patient population., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)