Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: immunopathological analysis and response to fluticasone propionate

A randomised, double-blind trial comparing budesonide formulations and dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of two different budesonide formulations (effervescent tablet for orodispersible use (BET) and viscous suspension (BVS)) with different daily dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

DESIGN

Adults with active EoE (n=76) randomly received 14 days' treatment with either BET 2×1 mg/day (BET1, n=19) or BET 2×2 mg/day (BET2, n=19), or BVS 2×5 mL (0.4 mg/mL)/day (BVS, n=19) or placebo (n=19) in a double-blind, double-dummy fashion, with a 2-week follow-up. Primary end point was histological remission (mean of <16 eosinophils/mm(2 )hpf). Secondary end points included endoscopy score, dysphagia score, drug safety and patient's preference for drug formulation.

RESULTS

Histological remission occurred in 100%, 94.7% and 94.7% of budesonide (BET1, BET2, BVS, respectively) and in 0% of placebo recipients (p<0.0001). The improvement in total endoscopic intensity score was significantly higher in the three budesonide groups compared with placebo. Dysphagia improved in all groups at the end of treatment; however, improvement of dysphagia persisted only in those treated with BET1 (p=0.0196 vs placebo). There were no serious adverse events. Local fungal infection (stained fungi) occurred in two patients of each budesonide group (10.5%). The effervescent tablet was preferred by 80% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

BET or BVS was highly effective and safe for short-term treatment of EoE. The 1 mg (twice daily) dosage was equally effective as the 2 mg twice daily dosage. The majority of patients preferred the effervescent tablet formulation.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV NUMBER

NCT02280616; EudraCT number, 2009-016692-29.

Mechanisms of Disease of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a recently recognized inflammatory disease of the esophagus with clinical symptoms derived from esophageal dysfunction. The etiology of EoE is now being elucidated, and food hypersensitivity is emerging as the central cornerstone of disease pathogenesis. Herein, we present a thorough picture of the current clinical, pathologic, and molecular understanding of the disease with a focus on disease mechanisms.

Role of Endoscopy in Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic (immune-mediated) disease that leads to esophageal dysfunction and feeding disorders in children. Foods, and possibly environmental triggers, cause an inflammatory response in the esophagus, leading to esophageal inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration, and esophageal dysmotility, which may progress to dysphagia, food impaction, and esophageal stricture. Endoscopy with biopsy and histologic evaluation is currently the only method to diagnose EoE. Once diagnosed with EoE, children undergo follow-up endoscopy after therapy initiation and adjustments to ensure remission. Furthermore, children with food impactions or strictures may require endoscopic intervention such as foreign body removal and/or esophageal dilation.

Allergic mechanisms of Eosinophilic oesophagitis

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is characterized by oesophageal dysfunction and oesophageal eosinophilia refractory to proton-pump-inhibitor treatment. EoE is a food allergy, as elimination of food trigger(s) abrogates the disease, while trigger reintroduction causes recurrence. The allergic mechanism of EoE involves both IgE and non-IgE processes. There is a break in oral tolerance, the immune mechanism allowing enteric exposure to food and micro-organisms without causing deleterious immune responses. Changes in life-style, alterations in gut flora and use of antibiotics may be increasing disease prevalence. Mouse models of EoE and human studies revealed the role of regulatory T-cells and iNKT-cells in the pathogenesis. Th2-cytokines like IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and other cytokines like TGFβ and TSLP are involved, but perhaps no one cytokine is critically important for driving the disease. Control of EoE may require a pharmaceutical approach that blocks more than one target in the Th2-inflammatory pathway.

Immunoglobulin E in irritable bowel syndrome: another target for treatment? A case report and literature review

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is notoriously difficult to treat and this situation is unlikely to change until the pathophysiology is better understood. There is no doubt that IBS is a multifactorial condition but it is likely that the relative contribution of the various factors involved varies from patient to patient. Consequently, in some individuals one mechanism may have such a strong effect that its elimination may lead to a substantial improvement in symptoms. This paper describes a patient with severe asthma and IBS where the administration of an anti-Immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody not only improved her asthma but also resulted in an almost complete resolution of her IBS symptoms. This observation suggests that some form of allergic process, which may be mediated by IgE, might be driving IBS in some patients and there is evidence from the literature that atopy is more common in this condition. Therefore, in patients with IBS and atopy where the response to standard treatment is poor, it may be worth considering targeting the allergic diathesis. Possible approaches include skin testing with food antigens followed by an appropriate exclusion diet or pharmacological mast cell stabilization.

Steroids therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We designed this systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to clarify the advantage of steroid therapy compared with non-steroid therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing steroid and non-steroid therapy, and retrospective and prospective trials on steroid therapy for EoE. RevMan 5.2 was used for the analysis. Weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated and pooled using meta-analysis methods.

RESULTS

Six RCTs including 193 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, and another two RCTs, three prospective and five retrospective trials were included in systematic review. Meta-analysis showed that topical steroids significantly decreased the mean and peak esophageal eosinophils (EOS) count compared to non-steroid therapy (MDmean  = -23.41, 95% CImean -42.08--4.73, P = 0.01 and MDpeak  = -51.27, 95% CIpeak -78.62--23.92, P = 0.0002). There were 14 trials showing the efficacy of steroids on decreasing the EOS count, 10 showing the amelioration of symptoms, and five showing endoscopic improvement. Only mild adverse events were reported for topical steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroids are effective on decreasing the EOS count in EoE patients. Its value in ameliorating symptoms and endoscopic changes remains undetermined due to the lack of comparable criteria.

Eosinophils in Gastrointestinal Disorders: Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and Parasitic Infections

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides an intriguing organ for considering the eosinophil's role in health and disease. The normal GI tract, except for the esophagus, is populated by eosinophils that are present throughout the mucosa, raising the possibility that eosinophils participate in innate mechanisms of defense. However, data from clinical studies associates increased numbers of eosinophils with inflammatory GI diseases, prompting concerns that eosinophils may have a deleterious effect on the gut. We present clinical features of 4 disease processes that have been associated with eosinophilia and suggest areas requiring investigation as to their clinical significance and scientific relevance.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a relatively common chronic immune-mediated disease of the esophagus characterized clinically by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction that vary by age. Histologically, EoE results in marked esophageal eosinophilia despite treatment with high-dose proton pump inhibition. The cornerstone of treatment is dietary restriction and/or pharmacologic therapy, mainly with topical steroids. This review briefly describes dietary therapy, but focuses on the various medical options in the treatment of EoE, with an emphasis on steroid-based therapy. Numerous landmark studies are reviewed describing the symptomatic and histologic endpoints as well as safety data. The literature strongly supports the use of topical steroid therapy as a means of significantly decreasing eosinophilic mucosal disease. Specifically, high-dose fluticasone propionate appears to be very effective, and has been shown to result in the resolution of mucosal eosinophilia in a large percentage of treated patients. Long-term studies over many years will need to determine whether mucosal healing will change the natural history of this stricture-causing disease. In addition to topical therapy, various other drug-based therapies are reported, including newer immune-based monoclonal antibodies.

Utility of a Noninvasive Serum Biomarker Panel for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Noninvasive biomarkers would be valuable for diagnosis and monitoring of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The aim of this study was to determine the utility of a panel of serum biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of EoE.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive adults undergoing outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Incident cases of EoE were diagnosed per consensus guidelines; controls had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or dysphagia and did not meet the EoE criteria. EoE cases were treated with topical steroids and had repeat endoscopy. Pre- and post-treatment serum samples were analyzed in a blinded manner for interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-13, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, TGF-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), major basic protein, and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin. Cases and controls were compared at baseline, and pre- and post-treatment assays were compared in cases.

RESULTS

A total of 61 incident EoE cases and 87 controls were enrolled; 51 EoE cases had post-treatment serum analyzed. There were no significant differences in any of the biomarkers between EoE cases and controls at baseline. IL-13 and eotaxin-3 for cases and controls were 85 ± 160 vs. 43 ± 161 pg/ml (P=0.12) and 41 ± 159 vs. 21 ± 73 (P=0.30). There were no significant differences in assay values among cases before and after treatment. There were also no differences after stratification by atopic status or treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

A panel of inflammatory factors known to be associated with EoE pathogenesis were not increased in the serum, nor were they responsive to therapy. None of these biomarkers are likely candidates for a serum test for EoE. Histologic analysis for diagnosis and management of EoE continues to be necessary, and novel, less invasive, biomarkers are needed.

Translating new developments in eosinophilic esophagitis pathogenesis into clinical practice

OPINION STATEMENT

New developments in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) pathogenesis are shaping our current therapeutic and management strategies. EoE is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease with progression to fibrostenotic disease. The disease warrants early diagnosis and long-term maintenance therapy. The diagnosis of EoE should be based on the concept of an allergy-mediated disease with esophageal dysfunction and esophageal eosinophilia. Recent findings suggest that proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) is likely a continuum of EoE or a similar T-helper 2 (Th2)-mediated allergic process. PPIs have therapeutic properties that can benefit both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and EoE. Therefore, PPIs should be considered not a diagnostic tool but, rather, a therapeutic option for EoE. If patients are PPI nonresponsive, then dietary therapy or steroid therapy should be considered. Dilation can be reserved as adjuvant therapy for severe fibrostenotic lesions.

Immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinical pathologic disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilia of the esophagus. When the diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to treat the eosinophilic inflammation not only to control the presenting symptoms, but also to prevent acute and chronic complications. The pathogenesis of EoE is most likely a mixed IgE and non-IgE food-mediated reaction, where Th2 cytokines drive esophageal eosinophilia as in other atopic diseases. Hence, it is not surprising that therapy is based on inflammation control, with steroids (oral or topical) and/or food antigen avoidance. However, these treatment options are not specific, reduce the quality of life of patients and have significant side effects, therefore, there is an ongoing effort to design more specific immunotherapies. In this review, we review standard and immunotherapeutic options for EoE treatment, such as anti-IL-5, anti-TNFα, anti-IgE, anti-CRTH, oral allergy desensitization and environmental immunotherapy.

Update on topical steroid therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis

This review aims to summarize evolving evidence on topical steroid (TS) therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Currently, we still use "off-label" TS, originally designed for bronchial or intranasal delivery. Direct oral administration (i.e., oral viscous budesonide) achieves better histological results than the aerosolized swallowed route, due to longer mucosal contact time. High-dose fluticasone (880 μg bid) has recently shown higher cure rates in children and adults. Steroid resistance is present in around 25-40% of patients. Nonetheless, novel steroid formulations specifically designed for EoE have exhibited outstanding preliminary results (cure rates around 100%). Narrow caliber esophagus (<13 mm) might explain persistent dysphagia despite histological remission on TS therapy and endoscopic dilation should be considered. TS are currently considered safe drugs, but we lack long-term safety data. Maintenance anti-inflammatory therapy is recommended in all patients to prevent disease recurrence and esophageal fibrotic remodeling, although this strategy is yet to be defined.

Advances in clinical management of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune/antigen-mediated clinicopathologic condition that has become an increasingly important cause of upper gastrointestinal morbidity in adults and children over the past 2 decades. It is diagnosed based on symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, the presence of at least 15 eosinophils/high-power field in esophageal biopsy specimens, and exclusion of competing causes of esophageal eosinophilia, including proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. We review what we have recently learned about the clinical aspects of EoE, discussing the clinical, endoscopic, and histological features of EoE in adults and children. We explain the current diagnostic criteria and challenges to diagnosis, including the role of gastroesophageal reflux disease and proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. It is also important to consider the epidemiology of EoE (with a current incidence of 1 new case per 10,000 per year and prevalence of 0.5 to 1 case per 1000 per year) and disease progression. We review the main treatment approaches and new treatment options; EoE can be treated with topical corticosteroids, such as fluticasone and budesonide, or dietary strategies, such as amino acid-based formulas, allergy test-directed elimination diets, and nondirected empiric elimination diets. Endoscopic dilation has also become an important tool for treatment of fibrostenotic complications of EoE. There are a number of unresolved issues in EoE, including phenotypes, optimal treatment end points, the role of maintenance therapy, and treatment of refractory EoE. The care of patients with EoE and the study of the disease span many disciplines; EoE is ideally managed by a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, allergists, pathologists, and dieticians.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: an emerging disease in childhood - review of diagnostic and management strategies

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune/antigen mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus. It comprises a separate entity of increasing incidence and prevalence in children and adults. The disease is characterized by histological evidence of dense esophageal tissue eosinophilia in the presence of a variety of upper GI symptoms including vomiting, dysphagia, food impaction, and odynophagia. Cornerstone of treatment is dietary intervention and/or the off-label use of swallowed topical corticosteroids. New drug therapies are under investigation. In this review, we focus on the diagnostic approach and the currently available treatment strategies.

An overview of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated esophageal disease affecting both children and adults. The condition is characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium. Symptoms of esophageal dysfunction include dysphagia, food impaction and symptoms mimicking gastroesophageal reflux disease. Endoscopic examination typically reveals mucosal fragility, ring or corrugated mucosa, longitudinal furrows, whitish plaques or a small caliber esophagus. Histologic findings of >15 eosinophils per high-power field is the diagnostic hallmark of EoE. An elimination diet, topical corticosteroids or endoscopic dilation for fibrostenotic disease serve as effective therapeutic option.

Health-related quality of life over time in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and their families

OBJECTIVES

Existing treatments for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) effectively reduce inflammation. The impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time for pediatric patients with EoE and their families, however, has not been systematically assessed. We hypothesized that individualized multidisciplinary treatment would improve both child and family HRQoL over time, with improvements associated with decreased symptom severity.

METHODS

Children with EoE treated in 4 tertiary care centers were enrolled. Baseline assessments occurred at the time of patients' first evaluation; follow-up assessments occurred at 2 and 6 months after baseline. Presence and severity of 8 EoE symptoms were measured. HRQoL was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory parent proxy report, child self-report (CR), and Family Impact Module (FIM). Statistical analyses used mixed-effects modeling to test changes over time for child and family HRQoL.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven children were enrolled (ages 2-18 years, mean age 7.7 years ± 4.8, 78% boys, 80% white). Baseline mean symptom number was 3.5 (standard deviation 2.3), and symptom severity was 5.5 (standard deviation, 4.5). HRQoL scores were significantly related to symptom scores (P < 0.001). EoE symptom severity decreased during the study (P = 0.03). Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory parent proxy Total and FIM Total scores improved from baseline to 6 months (respectively, adjusted means 78.4 vs 81.0, P = 0.0006; 68.9 vs 70.1, P = 0.03). Interactions with baseline symptom severity revealed that subjects with lowest symptom severity showed the most improved HRQoL scores (P = 0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

HRQoL improved during the course of evaluation and treatment, with positive changes being strongest for patients with less symptom severity at baseline.

Efficacy, dose reduction, and resistance to high-dose fluticasone in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of high-dose swallowed fluticasone propionate (FP) and dose reduction in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and analyzed esophageal transcriptomes to identify mechanisms.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of daily 1760 mcg FP in participants age 3-30 years with active EoE. Twenty-eight participants received FP, and 14 participants received placebo. After 3 months, participants given FP who were in complete remission (CR) received 880 mcg FP daily, and participants in the FP or placebo groups who were not in CR continued or started, respectively, 1760 mcg FP daily for 3 additional months. The primary end point was histologic evidence for CR. Secondary end points were partial remission (PR), symptoms, compliance, esophageal gene expression, esophageal eosinophil count, and the relationship between clinical features and FP responsiveness.

RESULTS

After 3 months, 65% of subjects given FP and no subjects given placebo were in CR (P = .0001); 12% of those given FP and 8% of those given placebo were in PR. In the FP group, 73% of subjects remained in CR, and 20% were in PR after the daily dose was reduced by 50%. Extending FP therapy in FP-resistant participants did not induce remission. FP decreased heartburn severity (P = .041). Compliance, age, sex, atopic status, or anthropomorphic features were not associated with response to FP. Gene expression patterns in esophageal tissues of FP responders were similar to those of patients without EoE; there was evidence for heterogeneous steroid signaling in subjects who did not respond to FP and preliminary evidence for transcripts predictive of FP responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily administration of a high dose of FP induces histologic remission in 65%-77% of patients with EoE after 3 months. A 50% dose reduction remained effective in 73%-93% of patients who initially responded to FP. Nonresponders had evidence of steroid resistance; histologic and molecular markers may predict resistance. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT00426283.

Steroids versus dietary therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition characterized by dense mucosal eosinophilia in conjunction with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Since both the incidence and prevalence of EoE are on the rise in both children and adults, understanding the various treatment options available is imperative in choosing the proper treatment for each patient. This article will highlight the major strides in both medical and dietary treatment of EoE in the past year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Whereas prior studies have shown that medical therapy with topical corticosteroids is effective in treating EoE, this more recent literature highlights some of the limitations of this approach, raising awareness that development of better drug delivery models is greatly needed. The review also describes the recent advances in the field of dietary therapy for this disease, particularly in adults, and further supports the notion that the pathophysiology of this disease in children and adults is similar, with food antigens driving this disease.

SUMMARY

Both medical and dietary therapy are effective for treating adults and children with EoE. Choosing the optimal treatment approach should be individualized based both on patient goals and on available local resources. Future prospective clinical trials comparing these two treatment modalities are needed to help understand comparable effectiveness as well as to help understand potential predictors of response to treatment and identify optimal therapeutic endpoints.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: dilate or medicate? A cost analysis model of the choice of initial therapy

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly recognized clinical entity. The optimal initial treatment strategy in adults with EoE remains controversial. The aim of this study was to employ a decision analysis model to determine the less costly option between the two most commonly employed treatment strategies in EoE. We constructed a model for an index case of a patient with biopsy-proven EoE who continues to be symptomatic despite proton-pump inhibitor therapy. The following treatment strategies were included: (i) swallowed fluticasone inhaler (followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] with dilation if ineffective); and (ii) EGD with dilation (followed by swallowed fluticasone inhaler if ineffective). The time horizon was 1 year. The model focused on cost analysis of initial treatment strategies. The perspective of the healthcare payer was used. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model. For every patient whose symptoms improved or resolved with the strategy of fluticasone first followed by EGD, if necessary, it cost an average of $1078. Similarly, it cost an average of $1171 per patient if EGD with dilation was employed first. Sensitivity analyses indicated that initial treatment with fluticasone was the less costly strategy to improve dysphagia symptoms as long as the effectiveness of fluticasone remains at or above 0.62. Swallowed fluticasone inhaler (followed by EGD with dilation if necessary) is the more economical initial strategy when compared with EGD with dilation first.

Dietary treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis

Emerging evidence supports impaired epithelial barrier function as the key initial event in the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and other allergic diseases. Symptom resolution, histologic remission, and prevention of both disease and treatment-related complications are the goals of treatment. Successful dietary treatments include elemental, empirical elimination and allergy test directed diets. Dietary therapy with exclusive elemental diet offers the best response. Cow's milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanut/tree nut, and fish/shellfish are the 6 food antigens most likely to induce esophageal inflammation.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: historical perspective on an evolving disease

Initial case series describing children and adults with symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and dense esophageal eosinophilia lead to recognition of a "new" disease, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Clinical, basic, and translational studies have provided a deeper understanding of this somewhat enigmatic disease that mechanistically is defined as an antigen-driven condition limited to the esophagus. This article summarizes many of the key historical features of EoE and provides a glimpse of potential future developments.

Allergic mechanisms in eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is rapidly increasing in incidence. It is associated with food antigen-triggered, eosinophil-predominant inflammation, and the pathogenic mechanisms have many similarities to other chronic atopic diseases. Studies in animal models and from patients have suggested that allergic sensitization leads to food-specific IgE and T-helper lymphocyte type 2 cells, both of which seem to contribute to the pathogenesis along with basophils, mast cells, and antigen-presenting cells. In this review our current understandings of the allergic mechanisms that drive eosinophilic esophagitis are outlined, drawing from clinical and translational studies in humans as well as experimental animal models.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: interactions with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are not mutually exclusive. The notion that GERD and EoE can be distinguished by the response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is based on the mistaken assumption that gastric acid suppression is the only important therapeutic effect of PPIs, and therefore only GERD can respond to PPIs. We believe that a clinical or histologic response to PPIs does not rule in GERD or rule out EoE. We recommend a trial of PPI therapy for patients with symptomatic esophageal eosinophilia, even if the diagnosis of EoE seems clear-cut.

Steroids in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis

Swallowed fluticasone and oral viscous budesonide are effective first-line therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis in children. Side effects are minimal without evidence of Cushing syndrome, as seen in treatment with systemic corticosteroids. New studies on alternative delivery systems and different corticosteroids (eg, ciclesonide) are encouraging. As knowledge of corticosteroids in eosinophilic esophagitis expands, newer questions continue to arise concerning dose, delivery, and choice of corticosteroids; long-term adverse effects; and maintenance therapies.

The pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging disease characterized by esophageal eosinophilia (>15eos/hpf), lack of responsiveness to acid-suppressive medication and is managed by allergen elimination and anti-allergy therapy. Although the pathophysiology of EoE is currently unsubstantiated, evidence implicates food and aeroallergen hypersensitivity in genetically predisposed individuals as contributory factors. Genome-wide expression analyses have isolated a remarkably conserved gene-expression profile irrespective of age and gender, suggesting a genetic contribution. EoE has characteristics of mainly TH2 type immune responses but also some TH1 cytokines, which appear to strongly contribute to tissue fibrosis, with esophageal epithelial cells providing a hospitable environment for this inflammatory process. Eosinophil-degranulation products appear to play a central role in tissue remodeling in EoE. This remodeling and dysregulation predisposes to fibrosis. Mast-cell-derived molecules such as histamine may have an effect on enteric nerves and may also act in concert with transforming growth factor-β to interfere with esophageal musculature. Additionally, the esophageal epithelium may facilitate the inflammatory process under pathogenic contexts such as in EoE. This article aims to discuss the contributory factors in the pathophysiology of EoE.

Elimination diets in the management of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis, an increasingly recognized chronic inflammatory disorder isolated to the esophagus, is triggered by an abnormal allergic response to dietary antigens. Current treatment includes swallowed topical steroids and dietary modification, which aim to resolve symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as formation of strictures. The dietary approach has become more widely accepted because long-term steroid therapy is associated with potential risks. Dietary treatment includes elemental and elimination diets. An exclusive elemental diet, which requires replacement of all intact protein with amino acid-based formula, offers the best response of all available therapies, with remission in up to 96% of subjects proving it to be superior to all other available therapies including topical steroids. However, compliance with this approach is challenging because of poor taste and monotony. The high cost of formula and the associated psychosocial problems are additional drawbacks of this approach. Empiric and allergy test-directed elimination diets have gained popularity given that elimination of a limited number of foods is much easier and as such is more readily acceptable. There is a growing body of literature supporting this type of therapy in both children and adults. This paper reviews the evidence for all types of dietary therapy in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Dietary treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis in children

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus that, in a genetically susceptible host, is triggered by a food antigen. Emerging evidence supports impaired epithelia barrier function as the key initial event in the development of EoE and other allergic diseases. Symptom resolution, histologic remission, and prevention of both disease and treatment-related complications are the goals of treatment. Successful dietary treatments include elemental and elimination diets, both empiric and allergy test directed. These treatments are dietary approaches to inducing clinical and histologic remission. Dietary therapy with an exclusive elemental diet offers the best response with a remission rate of more than 96%. Empiric elimination diets and allergy-directed diets offer similar response with remission induced in 3 of 4 subjects (75%). Cow's milk, wheat, egg and soy are the four common food antigens most likely to induce esophageal inflammation.

Emerging therapeutic strategies for eosinophilic esophagitis

OPINION STATEMENT

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is recognized as an increasingly common cause of chronic and recurrent esophageal symptoms that significantly impact quality of life and may occasionally result in severe complications in both pediatric and adult patients. The disease is triggered and maintained by exposure to food antigens in most patients, with an additional role proposed for airborne allergens. Different diet-based approaches focused on restricting potentially offending foods have proven to be effective long-term therapies for EoE. Dietary therapy is thus an attractive, yet challenging treatment option that should be considered for all pediatric and adult EoE patients. However, limitations related to food restriction, patient willingness to undergo repeated endoscopies and biopsies, and the variable results of allergy testing imply that dietary management is for the most part currently restricted to highly motivated healthcare providers treating highly motivated patients reluctant to utilize drug-based therapy on a chronic basis. Pharmacological therapies for EoE mainly comprise swallowed topical steroids, especially fluticasone propionate and budesonide, which were originally developed to treat bronchial asthma and are now extensively used "off label" in EoE patients. In fact, topical steroids currently constitute the prevailing therapeutic option and will probably continue to do so in the near future; indeed, several randomized clinical trials are currently underway to test these drugs for approval as the first pharmacological agents for EoE patients. Immunomodulators and several anti-allergic agents must be further assessed as therapeutic alternatives for refractory cases or patients with complications. Endoscopic dilation represents the third pillar in the therapeutic management of EoE patients, since they frequently present reductions in the esophageal caliber as a result of collagen deposition and a progressive fibrous remodeling process promoted by chronic eosinophilic infiltration. Dilation provides at least temporary symptom relief with similar complication rates to esophageal strictures from a different origin. However, although repeated endoscopic dilation has sometimes been used as the sole therapy for EoE, it best constitutes an adjuvant therapy along with dietary or pharmacological-based interventions, especially since dilation has no effect on the underlying esophageal inflammation. Current therapeutic management of EoE varies widely, with physician experience being a major explanatory factor. New evidence from ongoing research on EoE should thus seek to define a common treatment algorithm to optimize EoE patient management.

Management of refractory eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Whereas most children and adults respond to traditional eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) treatments, such as exclusion of dietary allergens or the use of topical steroids, a small fraction may not.

METHODS

Based on clinical experience and a review of the literature, the aim of this work is to provide practical advice for caring for 'refractory' patients with EoE.

RESULTS

The approach to this type of patient continues to evolve and decision-making should consider a number of issues including the patient's age, lack of a complete understanding of the natural history of this disease, risks of monitoring, and side effects of treatments. Next, one needs to define the term 'refractory' in that this can refer either to persistent symptoms or to continued inflammation in the face of presumably effective drug or diet therapy. Before considering alternative treatments, it is important to rule out any other cause of persistent symptoms. For instance, could they be related to an occult esophageal narrowing not identified at the time of endoscopy? Esophagrams may be necessary to identify localized or longitudinal narrowing that could be amenable to dilation. If symptoms and inflammation persist and no narrowing is appreciated, an elemental diet can be considered; however, the long-term use of this in older children and adults may be difficult. Prednisone or systemic steroids may be indicated to induce remission, but side effects and complications associated with chronic use are limiting. Finally, the use of immunosuppression or biological agents has been reported in case reports and studies; use of these may be limited by side effects or the need to utilize compassionate use protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

As the scope of esophageal eosinophilia continues to evolve, the clinical and molecular characterization of new clinical phenotypes will be important so that new therapeutic targets can be identified.

Management guidelines of eosinophilic esophagitis in childhood

OBJECTIVES

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated esophageal disease characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation. With few exceptions, 15 eosinophils per high-power field (peak value) in ≥1 biopsy specimens are considered a minimum threshold for a diagnosis of EoE. The disease is restricted to the esophagus, and other causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded, specifically proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. This position paper aims at providing practical guidelines for the management of children and adolescents with EoE.

METHODS

Relevant literature from searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and recent guidelines was reviewed. In the absence of an evidence base, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Final consensus was obtained during 3 face-to-face meetings of the Gastroenterology Committee and 1 teleconference.

RESULTS

The cornerstone of treatment is an elimination diet (targeted or empiric elimination diet, amino acid-based formula) and/or swallowed, topical corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids are reserved for severe symptoms requiring rapid relief or where other treatments have failed. Esophageal dilatation is an option in children with EoE who have esophageal stenosis unresponsive to drug therapy. Maintenance treatment may be required in case of frequent relapse, although an optimal regimen still needs to be determined.

CONCLUSIONS

EoE is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease with largely unquantified long-term consequences. Investigations and treatment are tailored to the individual and must not create more morbidity for the patient and family than the disease itself. Better maintenance treatment as well as biomarkers for assessing treatment response and predicting long-term complications is urgently needed.

Dietary therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a prevalent chronic esophageal disorder. Since the condition was first described, its pathophysiology has been known to have an immune-allergic origin, but the high response rate to dietary therapies based on feeding patients exclusively with amino acid-based elemental formulas (with complete elimination of table foods) has clearly established EoE as a particular form of food allergy. Nevertheless, the management of EoE in clinical practice remains widely heterogeneous, with topical steroids being a therapeutic mainstay. However, a growing body of evidence points to dietary therapy as an effective treatment option for both children and adults with EoE, as this approach is capable of achieving a sustained symptomatic and histological response without resorting to drugs. This article reviews the available data on the major types of dietary therapy for EoE, including elemental formula diets, skin allergy testing-directed elimination diets and empirical elimination diets based on common food allergens.

The role of allergy evaluation in children with eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, in Asia, data on utility of allergy tests in management of eosinophilic esophagitis are lacking. The objective of our study was to determine the role of allergy evaluation in management of Saudi children with eosinophilic esophagitis.

METHODS

Children diagnosed as having eosinophilic esophagitis during the period from 2009 to 2012 were referred to an allergist for allergy evaluation. The allergy evaluation consisted of total IgE level, radio-allergosorbent assay, and skin prick test. Depending on the results of the allergy tests, a restricted or elemental diet was established. Swallowed fluticasone inhaler was prescribed to patients who rejected or failed to respond to the diet. Clinical, endoscopic, and histological evaluation was performed in 8 weeks to assess response.

RESULTS

Eighteen children with eosinophilic esophagitis were included (13 males; mean age 5 years, range 1-11). Sensitization to foods was demonstrated in 14 patients: 4 with a positive test for a single food (28.5%), 1 for 2 food allergens (7%), and 9 for ≥3 food allergens (64.5%). The most common food allergens were milk, soybean, wheat, egg, and nuts. Three young children out of the total 14 patients responded to elemental formula. Four of the 10 older children on the allergy testing guided-dietary restriction achieved partial remission and the remaining 6 did not respond. All 10 patients responded to a swallowed fluticasone inhaler.

CONCLUSION

Although food sensitizations in Saudi children with eosinophilic esophagitis are common, the allergy tests had limited predictive value for the response to dietary elimination.

Pathogenic role of mast cells in experimental eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic disease characterized by esophageal intraepithelial eosinophils, extracellular eosinophil granule deposition, induced mast cell accumulation, and epithelial cell hyperplasia. However, the processes involved in the development of a number of these characteristics are largely unknown. Herein, we tested the hypothesis whether induced mast cell accumulation in the esophagus has a role in promoting EoE pathogenesis. Accordingly, we induced experimental EoE in wild-type mice, mast cell-deficient WWv mice, and mast cell-reconstituted WWv mice. We report that esophageal mast cell numbers increase in parallel with eosinophils in a dose- and time-dependent manner following the induction of allergen-induced EoE. The induced mast cells are localized in the esophageal lamina propria and muscular mucosa but have no influence on promoting esophageal eosinophilia. The 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation analysis indicated that mast cells have a significant role in muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. In addition, the wild-type and mast cell-reconstituted WWv mice showed a comparable number of BrdU⁺ cells in the esophageal muscular mucosa following allergen-induced EoE. In conclusion, we provide for the first time direct evidence that mast cell promotes muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy and may have a significant role in promoting esophageal functional abnormalities in EoE.

ACG clinical guideline: Evidenced based approach to the diagnosis and management of esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

Esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are increasingly recognized and prevalent conditions, which now represent common clinical problems encountered by gastroenterologists, pathologists, and allergists. The study of EoE has become a dynamic field with an evolving understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Although there are limited data supporting management decisions, clinical parameters are needed to guide the care of patients with eosinophilic-esophageal disorders. In this evidence-based review, recommendations developed by adult and pediatric gastroenterologists are provided for the evaluation and management of these patients. New terminology is emphasized, particularly the concepts of esophageal eosinophilia and proton-pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) as entities distinct from EoE.

Adult versus pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: important differences and similarities for the clinician to understand

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is recognized as a common, allergy-associated cause of chronic esophageal symptoms affecting both children and adults. Research has begun to shed light on its epidemiology with consistent results from various geographical areas. Differences in clinical presentation, endoscopic aspects and response to treatment have all been reported for patients of different ages, and the question as to whether adult and pediatric EoE are manifestations of a single entity or in fact two distinct disorders has been posed. The most relevant differences between pediatric and adult EoE come from evolutionary changes in the consequences of the disease, including fibrous remodeling, and the ability to express symptoms. However, most studies support a common pathogenesis and similar histopathological features for adult and pediatric patients, being the same diagnostic criteria applied to them. This article comprehensively reviews the most recently published information and addresses important questions about the natural history of EoE.

International survey on evaluation and management of eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

: Recommendations regarding evaluation and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remain incompletely defined. This survey assesses: how providers across the world diagnose, evaluate, and treat EoE and how educational activities affect management.

METHODS

: A web-based survey was sent to the members of World Allergy Organization, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. A χ analysis compared responses based on personal and practice demographics and participation in educational activities.

RESULTS

: Of the 200 respondents, 68.5% were from the United States. The majority were allergists, who require biopsy to diagnose EoE, perform allergy testing, and obtain follow-up biopsy after treatment. The following variables had significant differences: (1) US practitioners were more likely to test for immediate-type hypersensitivity to foods and obtain follow-up endoscopic biopsies after the initial treatment; (2) Practitioners encountering patients with EoE more frequently were more likely to ask about personal and family history of atopy, test for immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens and foods, and recommend follow-up biopsy after treatment; and (3) Practitioners who participate more often in EoE workshops were more likely to perform patch testing for foods, while attendance at EoE lectures increased EoE management confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

: Diagnostic and management strategies differ based on practice location, EoE patient load, and participation in educational activities. Practitioners who attend more EoE lectures are more confident managing EoE.

Clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic characteristics, as well as the response to conventional treatment of pediatric patients with the classical form of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS

Study of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and histologic data and response to conventional treatment of 43 previously followed pediatric patients with the classical form of EoE.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients diagnosed with EoE were included in the study, of which 37 were males (86%), with a mean age of 8.4 years. The most common symptoms were: nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (100%) in children younger than 7 years, and loss of appetite (60%), heartburn (52%), and food impaction (48%) in children older than 7 years and adolescents. Regarding the endoscopic findings, 12 (28%) patients had whitish plaques on the esophageal lining, 8 (18.5%) had longitudinal grooves, 2 (4.5%) had concentric rings, 3 (7%) had longitudinal grooves and whitish plaques, and the remaining 18 (42%) had esophageal mucosa with normal appearance. Despite the initial favorable response, 76.7% of patients required more than one course of corticosteroid therapy (systemic or aerosol) and diet (exclusion or elimination of food or elementary allergens). Persistence of eosinophil infiltration was found in some patients despite favorable clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

The classic form of EoE typically shows different symptoms according age range. A significant number of patients required more than one treatment cycle to show clinical remission. Endoscopic and histologic improvement was observed; however, eosinophilic infiltration persisted in some patients.

Anti-eosinophil activity and clinical efficacy of the CRTH2 antagonist OC000459 in eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, Th2-type inflammatory disease. Chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule on Th2 cells (CRTH2) is a prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) receptor, expressed by Th2 cells and other inflammatory cells, including eosinophils and basophils, that mediates chemotaxis and activation. OC000459 is a selective CRTH2 antagonist and would be expected to suppress eosinophilic tissue inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an OC000459 monotherapy in adult patients with active, corticosteroid-dependent or corticosteroid-refractory EoE.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 26 adult patients (m/f = 22/4; mean age 41 years, range 22-69 years) with active EoE, dependent or resistant to corticosteroids, were treated either with 100 mg OC000459 (n = 14) or placebo (n = 12) twice daily. Pre- and post-treatment disease activity was assessed clinically, endoscopically, histologically, and via biomarkers. The primary end point was the reduction in esophageal eosinophil infiltration.

RESULTS

After an 8-week OC000459 treatment, the esophageal eosinophil load decreased significantly, from 114.83 to 73.26 eosinophils per high-power field [(eos/hpf), P = 0.0256], whereas no reduction was observed with placebo (102.80-99.47 eos/hpf, P = 0.870). With OC000459, the physician's global assessment of disease activity improved from 7.13 to 5.18 (P = 0.035). OC000459 likewise reduced extracellular deposits of eosinophil peroxidase and tenascin C, the effects not seen with placebo. No serious adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8-week treatment with the CRTH2-antagonist, OC000459, exerts modest, but significant, anti-eosinophil and beneficial clinical effects in adult patients with active, corticosteroid-dependent or corticosteroid-refractory EoE and is well tolerated.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition whereby infiltration of eosinophils into the esophageal mucosa leads to symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. EoE is encountered in a substantial proportion of patients undergoing diagnostic upper endoscopy. This review discusses the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of EoE and presents the most recent guidelines for its diagnosis. Selected diagnostic dilemmas are described, including distinguishing EoE from gastroesophageal reflux disease and addressing the newly recognized clinical entity of proton-pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. Also highlighted is evidence to support both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, including topical corticosteroids, dietary elimination therapy, and endoscopic dilation.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated inflammatory esophageal disease characterized clinicopathologically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation. The pathogenesis of EoE is incompletely understood but is generally considered to be related to IgE- and non-IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. The diagnosis of EoE relies mainly on typical clinical presentations, esophageal pathological changes, and exclusion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRED) and other conditions that cause esophageal eosinophilia. Management options include dietary modifications, pharmacological therapy, and endoscopic dilation.

Effect of proton pump inhibitor on esophageal eosinophilia

OBJECTIVE

Differentiation between the common etiologies of dense esophageal eosinophilia such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis can be difficult. We hypothesized that histologic features may provide diagnostic clues concerning the etiology of esophageal eosinophilia.

METHODS

: We performed a retrospective chart review of 204 children with the diagnosis of esophagitis characterized by ≥ 15 eosinophils (eos) per high-power field (HPF) in at least 1 biopsy. We then restricted our analysis to subjects who had received at least 8 weeks of only proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) followed by endoscopy and who had a clinicopathologic response to this treatment. Symptoms, endoscopic findings, and pathologic descriptions were reviewed and an eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) index was determined to assess for degranulation/eosinophil activation.

RESULTS

Of the 204 identified charts, 7 subjects identified met the inclusion criteria. Five of these 7 patients showed a clinicopathologic response to PPIs after their follow-up endoscopy, (mean peak eosinophil count: 92 vs 5 eos/HPF, and EPX index: 39.2 vs 14.6, pre- and posttreatment, respectively). Two patients experienced initial resolution of symptoms and esophageal eosinophilia with PPI therapy; however, within 17-23 months they redeveloped symptoms and esophageal eosinophilia while receiving PPI therapy at the time of a third endoscopy (mean peak eosinophil count: 40 vs 11 vs 36 eos/HPF, and EPX index: 44 vs 21 vs 36.5, pre-, post- and posttreatment, respectively). No clinicopathologic features or degranulation patterns differentiated subjects with GERD/PPI responsive esophageal eosinophilia from those who had transient response to PPI treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

No clinicopathologic features differentiated subjects who responded to PPI treatment. PPI treatment can be helpful to exclude GERD and PPI responsive esophageal eosinophilia but long-term follow-up is critical in the management of esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adolescents: epidemiology, clinical presentation and seasonal variation

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is defined by infiltration of eosinophils in the esophageal mucosa (>20 eosinophils/hpf). The epidemiology and seasonal variation have not been well studied in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Review of all esophageal biopsies performed from January 2001 to December 2006 on patients younger than 21 year of age, focusing on demographics, onset and duration of presenting symptoms, history of allergies and endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

A total of 753 upper endoscopies were performed, 44 of which showed histologic evidence of EoE (5.8 %). Fifty percent of all EoE endoscopies were grossly normal. Onset of symptoms was 23 % in the spring, 29 % in the summer, 23 % in the fall and 25 % in the winter. More cases (36 %) were diagnosed in the fall. Time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 115 ± 145 days (mean ± SD). The most common presenting symptoms were vomiting (61 %), dysphagia (39 %), abdominal pain (34 %), feeding disorders (14 %), heartburn (14 %), food impaction (7 %), vague chest pain (5 %) and diarrhea (5 %). Children presenting with vomiting and feeding disorders were younger (p < 0.02), whereas children presenting with heartburn and dysphagia were older (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of EoE did not increase between 2001 and 2006. Onset of symptoms did not vary by season, indicating that allergens triggering EoE are present all year around. Vomiting and feeding disorders are seen in young children, while dysphagia and heartburn are seen in older children. As endoscopic findings were normal in 50 % of cases, an esophageal biopsy should be performed in all patients with suspected EoE.

Therapeutic benefits of budesonide in gastroenterology

Budesonide is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family with a high topical anti-inflammatory activity. Enteric-coated formulations resist gastric-acid degradation, delivering active drug to the small intestine and proximal colon. Budesonide has a high first-pass metabolism with minimal systemic absorption. It is therefore felt to cause fewer side effects than traditional glucocorticosteroids and to be generally well tolerated. The aim of this paper is to examine the utility of this medication in frequently encountered gastrointestinal conditions: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis. A Medline search was performed to find published original research and review articles relating to the use budesonide in common gastroenterological conditions. The results showed that budesonide is efficacious in the induction and short-term maintenance of Crohn's disease. Budesonide is the best-documented treatment for microscopic colitis. It is well proven to be effective in the induction of remission in collagenous colitis but its use in lymphocytic colitis remains less well documented. In conclusion, budesonide is an effective glucocorticosteroid therapy for many chronic gastrointestinal diseases. In combination with its efficacy, the low incidence of serious side effects associated with this drug should keep it at the forefront in the therapeutic arsenal of any gastroenterologist.

Dietary therapy can reverse esophageal subepithelial fibrosis in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis: a historical cohort

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis of the esophageal lamina propria is a known complication of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). To date, therapy with topical corticosteroids has been shown to reverse esophageal fibrosis in some patients; however, there is little evidence to suggest that dietary therapy can also reverse it. Our aim was to examine whether dietary therapy alone can reverse esophageal fibrosis in children with EoE.

METHODS

We performed a historical cohort study based on children with EoE who had esophageal fibrosis on pretreatment biopsies using trichrome staining. Post-treatment biopsies were analyzed for fibrosis reversal, and results were compared between patients treated with dietary restriction and those that received topical steroids. Clinical characteristics (age, symptoms, duration of symptoms prior to therapy, treatment type, and duration of therapy) were recorded. Histological markers (eosinophil numbers and eosinophilic degranulation in both epithelium and lamina propria, basal zone hyperplasia, and the presence of eosinophilic microabscesses in the epithelium) were examined by reviewing hematoxylin and eosin-stained biopsies and by immunohistochemical staining. These were examined as potential predictors for fibrosis reversal.

RESULTS

Fibrosis resolved following both dietary restriction and topical steroids (3/17 and 5/9 patients respectively, P = 0.078). Post-treatment symptom resolution and decreased intraepithelial eosinophil numbers were found to be the only significant predictors of fibrosis resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary restriction alone, similar to topical steroids, can reverse fibrosis in children with EoE.