Long-term budesonide maintenance treatment is partially effective for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

Evaluation of long-term course in children with eosinophilic esophagitis reveals distinct histologic patterns and clinical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic and increasingly prevalent antigen-driven disease. There is a paucity of information on long-term course in children.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to understand the longitudinal trajectory of pediatric EoE during routine clinical care.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled children into an EoE database and reviewed their medical and pathologic records over 13 years.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2015, 146 children with EoE seen for their first visit at our center had 2 or more years of follow-up and 3 or more endoscopies over an average follow-up period of 5.13 years (range, 2-13 years). Longitudinal eosinophilic inflammation during treatment demonstrated 3 patterns over time. Children with less than 15 eosinophils/high-power field (hpf) for greater than 75% of their follow-up period were termed continuous responders (CRs). Children with waxing and waning inflammation of less than 15 eosinophils/hpf for less than 75% but 25% or more of the follow-up period were termed intermittent responders (IRs). Nonresponders (NRs) were defined as having less than 15 eosinophils/hpf for less than 25% of their follow-up. Fifty-nine (40%) of 146 patients were CRs, 65 (45%) of 146 were IRs, and 22 (15%) of 146 were NRs. CRs differed from IRs and NRs on the parameter of male/female ratio (1:1 in CRs, 4:1 in IRs, and 6:1 in NRs; P < .001) and in their initial response to any therapy, including proton pump inhibitors (P < .001). Endoscopic severity correlated with esophageal eosinophilia (r = 0.73, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, female sex and initial therapeutic response to medications or elimination diet were associated with long-term control of esophageal eosinophilia.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term pediatric EoE followed 3 different longitudinal trajectories of inflammation. The long-term histologic groups differed significantly in biological sex and initial therapeutic response.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: Current concepts in diagnosis and treatment

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an immune-allergic pathology of multifactorial etiology (genetic and environmental) that affects both pediatric and adult patients. Its symptoms, which include heartburn, regurgitation, and esophageal stenosis (with dysphagia being more frequent in eosinophilic esophagitis in young adults and children), are similar to those of gastroesophageal reflux disease, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Although endoscopic findings such as furrows, esophageal mucosa trachealization, and whitish exudates may suggest its presence, this diagnosis should be confirmed histologically based on the presence of more than 15 eosinophils per high-power field and the exclusion of other causes of eosinophilia (parasitic infections, hypereosinophilic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, among others) for which treatment could be initiated. Currently, the 3 “D”s (“Drugs, Diet, and Dilation”) are considered the fundamental components of treatment. The first 2 components, which involve the use of proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and empirical diets or guided food elimination based on allergy tests, are more useful in the initial phases, whereas endoscopic dilation is reserved for esophageal strictures. Herein, the most important aspects of eosinophilic esophagitis pathophysiology will be reviewed, in addition to evidence for the various treatments.

Allergic Comorbidity in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Mechanistic Relevance and Clinical Implications

Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergen-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus, and the most common cause of prolonged dysphagia in children and young adults in the developed world. While initially undistinguished from gastroesophageal reflux disease-associated esophageal eosinophilia, EoE is now recognized as a clinically distinct entity that shares fundamental inflammatory features of other allergic conditions and is similarly increasing in incidence and prevalence. The clinical and epidemiologic associations between EoE and other allergic manifestations are well established. In addition to exaggerated rates of atopic dermatitis, IgE-mediated food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in EoE patients, each of these allergic manifestations imparts individual and cumulative risk for subsequent EoE diagnosis. As such, EoE may be a member of the "allergic march"-the natural history of allergic manifestations during childhood. Several determinants likely contribute to the relationship between these conditions, including shared genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of allergic comorbidity in EoE. We discuss areas of the genome associated with both EoE and other allergic diseases, including the well-studied variants encoding thymic stromal lymphopoietin and calpain 14, among other "atopic" regions. We summarize ways that environmental factors (such as microbiome-altering pressures and aeroallergen exposure) may predispose to multiple allergic conditions including EoE. Finally, we touch on some fundamental features of type 2 inflammation, and the resulting implications for the development of multiple allergic manifestations. We conclude with an analysis of the "type 2" biologics, and how mechanistic similarities between EoE and the other allergic manifestations have important implications for screening and treatment of the allergic patient.

Cost-effective care in eosinophilic esophagitis

OBJECTIVE

To examine costs related to eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), understand the source of these costs, discuss a possible approach for cost-effective care in EoE, and identify areas for future research in this topic.

DATA SOURCES/STUDY SELECTIONS

Narrative review of the literature from 1977 (first description of EoE) to March 2019, focusing on costs and cost-effectiveness analyses in EoE.

RESULTS

High costs in EoE can be related to diagnostic delays, requirement for upper endoscopy with biopsy for diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity, expensive medications currently used off-label, increased food costs related to dietary elimination treatment, frequent doctor visits with subspecialists, and complications or disease exacerbations. Provision of cost-effective care in EoE is an understudied area, and a patient-centric approach is key. There are multiple areas in which future research can make an impact. These include determining predictors of treatment response, minimally or noninvasive methods to monitor disease activity, and validation of the use of multidisciplinary care.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is considered to be a rare disease, but the costs of care and burden of disease attributed to EoE are substantial. However, few studies examine either the costs related to EoE or the approach to cost-effective care for the EoE patient. To provide cost-effective care, a patient-centric approach and shared decision-making model are optimal. In addition, a rational strategy for EoE diagnosis and initial treatment, effective maintenance therapy for disease control and ideally to prevent complications, and appropriate long-term monitoring are all required.

Correction to: Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an atopic condition of the esophagus that has become increasingly recognized over the last 15 years. Diagnosis of the disorder is dependent on the patient’s clinical manifestations, and must be confirmed by histologic findings on esophageal mucosal biopsies. Patients with EoE should be referred to an allergist for optimal management, which may include dietary modifications and pharmacologic agents such as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and corticosteroids, and for the diagnosis and management of comorbid atopic conditions. Mechanical dilation of the esophagus may also be necessary. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of EoE are discussed in this review.

Safety and Efficacy of Budesonide Oral Suspension Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of budesonide oral suspension (BOS) maintenance therapy in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS

We performed an open-label extension study of a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with EoE (11-40 years old) who completed double-blind BOS (n = 45) or placebo therapy (n = 37) received 24 weeks' open-label BOS (2.0 mg once daily for 12 weeks, with optional dose increase [1.5-2.0 mg twice daily] for 12 weeks thereafter). Predefined efficacy outcomes included: proportion of patients with a histologic response (≤6 eosinophils/high-power field [eos/hpf]) and change in mean peak eosinophil counts after 24 weeks. Analyses were stratified by patients who received placebo (placebo/BOS) or BOS (BOS/BOS) during the double-blind trial.

RESULTS

BOS was well tolerated and drug-related adverse events were uncommon (placebo/BOS, 19% [7/37]; BOS/BOS, 4% [2/45]). Incidence of oral candidiasis (1 per group) and esophageal candidiasis (placebo/BOS group, n = 4) remained low. Changes in morning serum cortisol levels were not clinically relevant. A histologic response was observed in 49% (16/33) of patients receiving placebo/BOS and 23% (9/39) receiving BOS/BOS. Mean peak eosinophil counts (baseline vs week 24 or early termination) were: placebo/BOS, 118.8 vs 29.1; P < .001 and BOS/BOS, 38.1 vs 72.4; P = .01. Of the patients who responded to double-blind therapy, 42% maintained a histologic response during the open-label extension; 4% of nonresponders gained response.

CONCLUSIONS

In an open-label extension study of patients with EoE, BOS was well tolerated and drug-related adverse events were uncommon. BOS maintained a histologic response in some initial responders, but few initial nonresponders had a response. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT01642212.

Clinical and pathological profile of eosinophilic gastroenteritis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EoGE) can be diagnosed on the basis of histologic criteria; however, the pathology is considered to be heterogeneous. There is no consensus on the management of this enigmatic disorder with an unknown etiology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data for patients diagnosed with EoGE and followed up over a 1-year period were analyzed. Their symptoms, patterns of flares, and type of treatment were documented. The shift in peripheral blood eosinophil levels was also examined.

RESULTS

A total of 10 (mean age, 44 years; range: 31-70 years; women, 5) patients were diagnosed with EoGE. The most frequent presenting symptom was abdominal pain, and eight patients were classified with mucosal type of EoGE. Chronic disease or multiple flares were observed in seven out of 10 (70.0%) patients, and all of them had a history of allergy. Four were corticosteroid dependent (three relapsed during corticosteroid tapering and one following corticosteroid withdrawal). One of them received anti-IL5 monoclonal antibody that enabled corticosteroid dose tapering. In four patients with highly elevated initial eosinophil levels at diagnosis, the peripheral eosinophil level correlated with the amelioration and deterioration of their symptoms. The remaining three patients had a single flare without relapse. Two had no history of allergy.

CONCLUSION

EoGE is a unique disorder with a variable clinical course. Although further studies are required to confirm our observations, the presence of other allergic disorders is associated with chronicity or multiple flares. Peripheral eosinophil level may be an effective biomarker for recurrence in patients with severe systemic disorders at diagnosis.

RPC4046, a Monoclonal Antibody Against IL13, Reduces Histologic and Endoscopic Activity in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, esophageal, type 2 inflammatory response associated with increased serum levels of interleukin 13 (IL13), which might contribute to its pathogenesis. RPC4046, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against IL13, prevents its binding to the receptor subunits IL13RA1 and IL13RA2. We performed a phase 2 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RPC4046 in patients with EoE.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter, double-blind trial of 99 adults with active EoE randomly assigned (1:1:1) to groups given RPC4046 (180 or 360 mg) or placebo once weekly for 16 weeks, from September 2014 through December 2015. Patients were seen at day 1 (baseline) and weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. They underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsies were collected at baseline and week 16. Patients completed a daily dysphagia symptom diary through week 16 and patient-reported outcome data were collected. The primary outcome was change in mean esophageal eosinophil count in the 5 high-power fields (hpfs) with the highest level of inflammation.

RESULTS

At week 16, mean changes in esophageal eosinophil count per hpf were a reduction of 94.8 ± 67.3 in patients who received 180 mg RPC4046 (P < .0001) and a reduction of 99.9 ± 79.5 in patients who received 360 mg RPC4046 (P < .0001) compared with a reduction of 4.4 ± 59.9 in patients who received placebo. The 360-mg RPC4046 group, compared with the placebo group, showed significant reductions in validated endoscopic severity score at all esophageal locations (P < .0001), validated histologic grade and stage scores (both P < .0001), and clinician's global assessment of disease severity (P = .0352); they had a numerical reduction in scores from the dysphagia symptom diary (P = .0733). Significant reductions in esophageal eosinophil counts and histologic and endoscopic features were observed in patients with steroid-refractory EoE who received RPC4046. The most common adverse events were headache and upper respiratory tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In a phase 2 trial of patients with EoE, we found RPC4046 (a monoclonal antibody against IL13) to reduce histologic and endoscopic features compared with placebo. RPC4046 was well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02098473.

Molecular basis and cellular mechanisms of eosinophilic esophagitis for the clinical practice

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergen-driven inflammatory esophageal disease characterized by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation leading to esophageal dysfunction. Recent efforts to understand EoE have increased our knowledge of the disease. Areas covered: Multiple cells, molecules, and genes interplay with early life environmental factors in the pathophysiology of EoE to converge in the esophageal epithelium at the center of disease pathogenesis. Epithelial cells constitute a mayor cytokine source for TSLP and Calpain-14; an impaired epithelial barrier function allowing penetration of food and microbiota-derived antigens is involved in triggering and maintaining inflammation. Eosinophil and mast cell-derived products, including TGFβ, together with IL-1β and TNFα, promote epithelial mesenchymal transition in EoE, contributing to tissue remodeling by synthetizing and depositing extracellular matrix in subepithelial layers. This article aims to provide a state-of-the-art update on the pathophysiology of EoE applied to clinical practice, and latest research and developments with potential interest to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with EoE are revised. Expert commentary: Preliminary approaches have provided promising results toward incorporating minimally invasive methods for patient diagnosis and monitoring in clinical practice. Early diagnosis and optimized therapies will allow for personalized medicine in EoE.

Maintenance Treatment Of Eosinophilic Esophagitis With Swallowed Topical Steroids Alters Disease Course Over A 5-Year Follow-up Period In Adult Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although swallowed topical corticosteroids (STCs) are effective in inducing remission of active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), there are few data on maintenance of long-term remission. We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of STC therapy for adults with EoE.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study using the Swiss EoE database. We analyzed data on 229 patients with EoE treated with STCs (175 male; mean age at diagnosis, 39±15 years; median time until diagnosis, 6 years) from 2000 through 2014. Patients were followed for a median of 5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3-7 years). We collected data from 819 follow-up visits on clinical, endoscopic and histological disease characteristics. The primary endpoint was proportions of clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission in all patients and groups, based on the status and duration of STC treatment.

RESULTS

Patients were taking STCs at 336 of the follow-up visits (41.0% of visits). The median duration of STC use before a follow-up visit was 347 days (IQR, 90-750 days) corresponding to 677 doses (IQR, 280-1413 doses) of 0.25 mg each. At the visits, higher proportions of patients who were still taking STCs were in clinical remission (31.0%) compared to patients not taking STCs (4.5%) (P <.001), as well as endoscopic remission (48.8% vs 17.8%; P < .001), histologic remission (44.8% vs 10.1%; P < .001), and complete remission (16.1% vs 1.3%; P < .001). Higher cumulative doses of STCs and longer durations of treatment were associated with higher proportions of clinical and complete remission. No dysplasia or mucosal atrophy was detected. Esophageal candidiasis was observed at 2.7% of visits in patients taking STCs.

CONCLUSION

In an analysis of data from the Swiss EoE database, we found maintenance therapy with STCs to achieve complete remission at 16.1% of follow-up visits, which was higher than in patients receiving no treatment (1.3%). Given the good safety profile of low-dose STC, we advocate for a prolonged treatment. Dose-finding trials are needed to achieve higher remission rates.

A 12-Week Maintenance Therapy with a New Prepared Viscous Budesonide in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

A new prepared oral viscous budesonide (PVB) has been effective in inducing clinical and histological remission in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of a 12-week maintenance therapy on clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission using half of the dose used in the induction therapy.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled pediatric patients with active EoE. After 12 weeks of induction therapy with PVB (< 150 cm: 2 mg/day; ≥ 150 cm: 4 mg/day) patients received a maintenance dose of half of the dose used in the induction therapy (1 mg or 2 mg) for another 12 weeks. A 12-week follow-up was then performed in all patients after the end of therapy. Endoscopy was performed at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 36. Symptoms, endoscopy, and histology scores were also calculated. Serum cortisol was evaluated during the treatment period.

RESULTS

We enrolled 20 children (15 males; median age 10 years; range 4-17). After the 12-week induction therapy 18 patients (90%) were in remission, with a significant decrease in the median peak of eosinophil count/HPF as well as a marked reduction in clinical, endoscopic, and histological scores (p < 0.01). At the end of the maintenance therapy (week 24), 17 patients (85%) were still in remission, while there were only 9 at week 36 (45%). No significant changes in cortisol levels were observed during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The 12-week maintenance treatment with the half the dose of PVB was effective in sustaining remission at week 24; however, no reduction in the rate of relapse after suspension of treatment occurred.

Heterogeneity in Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histologic Outcome Measures and Placebo Response Rates in Clinical Trials of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Agents are being developed for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, it is not clear what outcome measures would best determine the efficacy and safety of these agents in clinical trials. We performed a systematic review of outcomes used in randomized placebo-controlled trials of EoE and we estimate the placebo response and rates of remission.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the EU Clinical Trials Register from inception through February 20, 2018 for randomized controlled trials of pharmacologic therapies for EoE. Efficacy outcome definitions, measurement tools, and the proportion of patients responding to placebo were collected and stratified by based on histologic, endoscopic, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 22 placebo-controlled trials, comprising 1112 patients with EoE. Ten additional active registered trials were identified. Most published trials evaluated topical corticosteroid therapy (13/22, 59.1%). Histologic outcomes measuring eosinophil density and patient-reported outcomes were reported in 21/22 published trials (95.5%). No consistently applied definitions of histologic or patient-reported response or remission were identified. Endoscopic outcomes were described in 60% (12/20) of published trials. The EoE Endoscopic Reference Score is the most commonly applied tool for describing changes in endoscopic appearance. The median histologic response to placebo was 3.7% (range, 0%-31.6%) and the median rate of remission in patients given placebo was 0.0% (range, 0%-11.0%). The median patient-reported response to placebo was 14.4% (range, 8.6%-77.8%) and rate of remission in patients given placebo was 26.2% (range, 13.2%-35.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review of the literature, we found that no standardized definitions of histologic, endoscopic, or patient-reported outcomes are used to determine whether pharmacologic agents produce a response or remission in patients with EoE. A core outcome set is needed to reduce heterogeneity in outcome reporting and facilitate trial interpretation and comparison of results from trials.

Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus affecting both children and adults, with debilitating and progressive symptoms. EoE has shown an explosive epidemiological rise in the past few decades. Many patients experience a poor level of disease control despite maximal use of available guideline-based therapies, which seriously hampers their quality of life. Diet restrictions and systemic and topical corticosteroids are the current mainstays of EoE therapy, but are associated with significant efficacy, treatment compliance, and safety issues such as oral or esophageal candidiasis, growth retardation, osteopenia, osteoporosis, glucose intolerance, and cataract formation. As EoE is a chronic inflammatory disease, immune cells and cytokines are responsible for the inflammatory response and symptoms. Monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting these pathophysiologic effectors offer more potent relief of histologic and clinical disease features while keeping off-target adverse effects to a minimum. Herein, we have reviewed the current evidence regarding efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies including mepolizumab (anti-IL-5), reslizumab (anti-IL-5), QAX576 (anti-IL-13), omalizumab (anti-immunoglobulin-E), and infliximab (anti-TNF-α) in treatment of EoE. Our review indicates that although the use of monoclonal antibodies for EoE treatment is safe with limited and reversible adverse events, however, it is not yet possible to reach a final verdict on the efficacy of mAbs in EoE. Future well-designed studies are needed to clarify the exact role of mAbs in EoE.

Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus associated with an atopic predisposition which appears to be increasing in prevalence over the last few decades. Symptoms stem from fibrosis, swelling, and smooth muscle dysfunction. In the past two decades, the etiology of EoE has been and is continuing to be revealed. This review provides an overview of the effects of genetics, environment, and immune function including discussions that touch on microbiome, the role of diet, food allergy, and aeroallergy. The review further concentrates on the pathophysiology of the disease with particular focus on the important concepts of the molecular etiology of EoE including barrier dysfunction and allergic hypersensitivity.

Medical and dietary treatments in eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) refers to a relatively new chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, which according to the current understanding underlies an immune-mediated pathogenesis driven by exposure to allergens. While several open questions remain regarding ethiopathogenesis as well as treatment options and their positioning, one thing has increasingly been recognized. The disease is on the rise and will increasingly be of importance in everyday's clinical practice, not only in expert physicians but also gastroenterologists with a broad clinical spectrum, allergologists and even general practitioners. The aim of this review is to provide a current overview on EoE treatment, including the rationale and endpoints of treatment in EoE, medical treatment options - providing the standard of current care, second-line options and outlook to emerging therapies - as well as dietary elimination approaches.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Review and Update

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) was first described in the 1990s, showing an increasing incidence and prevalence since then, being the leading cause of food impaction and the major cause of dysphagia. Probably, in a few years, EoE may no longer be considered a rare disease. Methods: This article discusses new aspects of the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE according to the last published guidelines. Results: The epidemiological studies indicate a multifactorial origin for EoE, where environmental and genetic factors take part. EoE affects both children and adults and it is frequently associated with atopic disease and IgE-mediated food allergies. In patients undergoing oral immunotherapy for desensitization from IgE-mediated food allergy the risk of developing EoE is 2.72%. Barrier dysfunction and T-helper 2 inflammation is considered to be pathogenetically important factors. There are different patterns of clinical presentation varying with age and can be masked by adaptation habits. Besides, symptoms do not usually correlate with histologic disease activity. The diagnostic criteria for EoE has evolved but mainly requires symptoms of esophageal dysfunction with histologic evidence of a peak value of at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field. Endoscopies have to be repeated in order to diagnose, monitor, and treat EoE. Treatment of EoE can be started either by drugs (PPIs and topical corticosteroids) or elimination diets. The multistage step-up elimination diet management approach of EoE is promising. Endoscopic dilation is used for patients with severe dysphagia/food impaction with inadequate response to anti-inflammatory treatment. Conclusions: Research in recent years has contributed to a better understanding of EoE's pathogenesis, genetic background, natural history, allergy workup, standardization in assessment of disease activity, evaluation of minimally invasive diagnostic tools, and new therapeutic approaches. However, several unmet needs are to be solved urgently, as finding a non-invasive disease-monitoring methods and biomarkers for routine practice, the development or new therapies, novel food allergy testing to detect triggering foods, drug, and doses required for initial therapy and safety issues with long-term maintenance therapy, amongst others. Besides, multidisciplinary management units of EoE, involving gastroenterologists, pediatricians, allergists, pathologists, dietitians, and ENT specialists are needed.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an atopic condition of the esophagus that has become increasingly recognized over the last 15 years. Diagnosis of the disorder is dependent on the patient’s clinical manifestations, and must be confirmed by histologic findings on esophageal mucosal biopsies. Patients with EoE should be referred to an allergist for optimal management, which may include dietary modifications and pharmacologic agents such as corticosteroids, and for the diagnosis and management of comorbid atopic conditions. Mechanical dilation of the esophagus may also be necessary. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of EoE are discussed in this review.

Combined and Alternating Topical Steroids and Food Elimination Diet for the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined combined or alternating treatment algorithms in eosinophilic esophagitis.

AIMS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to ascertain the efficacy and adherence to a combined and alternating treatment approach with topical corticosteroids and 2-food elimination diet for pediatric EoE.

METHODS

Patients were prescribed a 2-food elimination diet (milk and soy) and topical corticosteroid (fluticasone or oral viscous budesonide) for 3 months, after which the steroid was discontinued and 2-food elimination diet continued for 3 months. An EGD was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were extracted from electronic medical records. Nonparametric tests assessed adherence and outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine eosinophilic esophagitis cases were included (mean age 11.5 years, 61% male). Complete adherence to combined therapy and 2-food elimination diet alone was 75 and 79%, respectively. Median eosinophil counts decreased from 51 to 2 eosinophils/hpf (p < 0.001) after combined treatment and rebounded to 31 (p = 0.07) after 2FED alone. Dysphagia improved after both the combined and 2-food elimination diet alone treatment approaches (52 vs. 11% and 10%; p = 0.001, 0.005). Nonsignificant improvements in endoscopic findings were documented across the length of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

An initial combined treatment approach resulted in significant improvements in symptoms and histologic findings. While symptomatic improvements continued with 2-food elimination diet alone, the histologic improvement was not maintained. While loss to follow-up may obscure the efficacy of 2-food elimination diet alone, a combined/alternating treatment approach merits assessment in a larger prospective study.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis and the Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases: Approach to Diagnosis and Management

The eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) represent disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that result from the local infiltration and aberrant activity of eosinophils and other immune cells. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-characterized EGID and is defined by the presence of intraepithelial eosinophils in the esophagus (≥15 eosinophils per high-powered field) and clinical symptoms associated with esophageal dysfunction. The other EGIDs are rare and lack strong data regarding pathogenesis and management. The incidence and prevalence of EoE are increasing, and EoE is now a major cause of upper GI morbidity. Management is multidisciplinary, with collaboration between gastroenterologists, allergists, pathologists, and dieticians, and is aimed at amelioration of symptoms and prevention of long-term complications such as esophageal stricture. Treatment options for EoE include proton pump inhibitors, swallowed topical corticosteroids, and elimination diets. Esophageal dilation is used when esophageal strictures or fibrostenotic changes are present. Additional therapies targeting eosinophils and other mediators of Th2 inflammation are under development and are promising. Treatment options for other EGIDs typically involve corticosteroids or dietary elimination.

PPI Trial for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Chaos in the Community

INTRODUCTION

Despite consensus eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) statement published in 2011 calling for a 2-month trial of protons pump inhibitor (PPI), the guidelines are not followed by many. We studied the practice patterns in our community and response to a PPI retrial in patients previously diagnosed with "idiopathic EoE."

METHODS

All patients presenting to the senior author's practice with suspected EoE from 2011 to 2015. Two cohorts were studied: (1) patients diagnosed in the community as "idiopathic EoE"; (2) treatment naïve patients given a PPI trial at University of South Florida. PPI responsive eosinophilia was defined after 2 months of high dose PPIs after initial diagnosis of mucosal eosinophilia and histologic response of <15 eosinophils per HPF. SPSS v19.0 was used to calculate mean difference and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In total, 78 patients met inclusion criteria, 46 patients had outside diagnosis of "idiopathic EoE," and 41 patients received a PPI trial at University of South Florida. In total, 34/46 (73.9%) community patients were placed on a PPI, 3/46 (6.5%) were placed on elimination diets, 31/46 (67.4%) steroids, and 21/46 (45.7%) were treated with both steroids/PPIs. Fewer patients received PPI trials in the community 3/46 (6.5%) versus 26/34 (76.5%) at our center [OR, 46.6 (95% CI, 11.3-191.5); P<0.0001]. In total, 12/26 (46.2%) were PPI responders on our retrial despite previously being diagnosed with idiopathic EoE. The group initially diagnosed at our center had a higher PPI response rate 12/15 (80%) versus 12/26 (46.2%) in the community group [OR, 7.58 (1.42, 40.55; P=0.018)].

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of a PPI trial is misunderstood and may be confused with the more traditional PPI trial for gastroesophageal reflux disease. This algorithm is critical and should be done before empiric steroids/diet therapies.

Systematic review of histological remission criteria in eosinophilic esophagitis

Elemental diets, dietary elimination, and steroid therapies are the most common therapies in the clinical trials for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Histological findings (usually reported as eosinophils per microscopic high‐powered field [hpf]) remain the most common end‐point used to define response. Yet, the threshold for defining “response” and “remission” are ill‐defined among consensus guidelines and may vary from study to study. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles on eosinophilic esophagitis, published between January 2007 and November 2017, considering histological remission as the primary outcome. We abstracted treatment information and definitions of histological remission or response. A comparison of definitions of histological remission across and within institutions was performed. A total of 61 articles were included in this review, with approximately 60% of the studies published from centers in the United States. Histological definitions of remission of EoE ranged from 0 to ≤20 eosinophils/hpf. The most stringent criteria, ranging from 0 to ≤5 eosinophils/hpf, were commonly used in interventional trial studies that examined the effects of new treatments. We found remarkable variability in definitions between studies, treatment types, and regions. Age or epidemiological distribution of study subjects did not influence the criteria for histological remission. Clinical and histological improvements are important measures of the effects of treatment. Histological findings, the most objective measure of treatment, should provide an optimal method for comparing the effectiveness of various treatments. Yet, our findings suggest a lack of consistent remission criteria in published studies. Considering these inconsistencies, it is difficult to compare the effectiveness of various treatments.

Biological therapies for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases

The scientific basis and the clinical application of mAb therapies that target specific immunologic pathways for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases are areas of active interest. There is a growing recognition of a subset of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis whose disease does not respond well to topical steroids or elimination diets. In addition, long-term use of corticosteroids presents possible risks that are currently being evaluated. Systemic therapy with a biologic agent offers potential advantages as a global approach that could limit the need for multiple, locally active medical therapies and allergen avoidance. The identification of novel biologic strategies is ongoing, and the recent validation of instruments and outcome measures to assess disease activity has proved essential in demonstrating efficacy. Studies using biologics that target IL-13 pathways in the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis have demonstrated substantial promise.

Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis in the pediatric patient: an evidence-based approach

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a unique form of non-IgE-mediated food allergy characterized by esophageal eosinophilic infiltration that commonly causes dysphagia and food impaction in children and adolescents. Assessing the efficacy of dietary restrictions or drug therapies to achieve clinical and histologic resolution of EoE through randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses has resulted in new evidence-based guidelines. Avoiding food triggers is the only therapy targeting the cause of the disease. None of the currently available food allergy tests adequately predict food triggers for EoE. Exclusively feeding with an amino acid-based elemental diet and empiric six-food elimination diet (avoiding the six foods most commonly related with food allergy) has consistently provided the best cure rates, but their high level of restriction and need for multiple endoscopies are deterrents for implementation. Simpler and less restrictive empirical methods, like a four-food (milk, gluten-containing cereals, egg, legumes) or a two-food (milk and gluten) elimination diet, show encouraging results. Proton pump inhibitors are currently a first-line treatment, achieving histological remission and improvement of symptoms in 54.1 and 64.9% of pediatric EoE patients, respectively. The efficacy of topical corticosteroids in EoE assessed in several trials and summarized in meta-analyses indicates that budesonide and fluticasone propionate are significantly superior to placebos, both in decreasing eosinophil mucosal infiltration and in relieving symptoms. Owing to differences in drug delivery, viscous budesonide formulas seem to be the best pharmacological therapy for EoE.

CONCLUSION

Applying evidence-based therapies and a practical management algorithm provide an effective control of EoE. What is Known: • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) now constitutes the main cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children, adolescents, and young adults. • Its chronic course and frequent progression to subepithelial fibrosis leading to strictures and narrow-caliber esophagus indicate the need for treatment. What is New: • Therapeutic goals in children with EoE include resolution of esophageal symptoms, to cure esophageal inflammation (mucosal healing) and restore a proper esophageal caliber in case of fibrostenotic endoscopic findings. Avoiding iatrogenic drug effects and nutritional deficiencies, as well as maintaining an adequate quality of life, is also essential. • Novel evidence-based guidelines, endorsed by several European scientific societies, incorporate recent advances in knowledge from several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to provide the best standard of care to pediatric patients, by following simple management algorithms.

Histologic improvement after 6 weeks of dietary elimination for eosinophilic esophagitis may be insufficient to determine efficacy

Background

Elimination diets are used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), with success (remission) defined at endoscopy and oesophageal biopsy as fewer than 15 eosinophils per high power field (HPF). Response is assessed after 6 weeks of treatment by convention, but we have observed that this period of time may be insufficient.

Objective

To characterise a subset of patients with EoE who require prolonged (>6 weeks) of dietary therapy to achieve histologic remission.

Methods

A retrospective search of electronic medical records of 2 cohorts with EoE attending the Department of Gastroenterology, University of Chapel Hill North Carolina, and Eastern Health, Melbourne Australia. Patients who underwent elimination diet, had esophageal biopsy after 6 or more weeks of dietary restriction that demonstrated ongoing esophageal inflammation (>15 eosinophils per HPF), and who then continued dietary therapy followed by repeat endoscopy demonstrating remission (<15 eosinophils per HPF) were included.

Results

Seven patients met inclusion criteria, average esophageal eosinophil counts prior to diet was 38.5 (range, 15–65). Following the initial period of diet (mean of 6 weeks and 4 days) eosinophil count decreased (average, 21.5/HPF; range 15–40/HPF). After extended dietary elimination (mean, 13 weeks; range, 7–22 weeks), histological resolution was achieved (average peak eosinophil count of 5.2; range, 0–14) in all cases. Endoscopic appearance and symptoms both improved following the initial period of dietary elimination, thereby preceding the histological resolution, and were sustained.

Conclusion

A subset of patients has full histologic response to prolonged elimination diet, that lags initial symptomatic and endoscopic improvement.

Prospective assessment of disease-specific quality of life in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an important cause of upper gastrointestinal dysfunction in children and adults. The EoE-quality of life (QOL)-A was validated as a disease-specific measure of quality of life in EoE. This study characterized the extent of QOL concerns in a cohort of adult EoE patients and delineated the relationships between QOL and other disease activity measures. One hundred sixty-seven patients enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Patients with established and suspected EoE undergoing endoscopy at a single university-based medical center were recruited. EoE was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical criteria and histologic demonstration of ≥15 eos/hpf while on proton pump inhibition therapy. Sixty five patients undergoing repeat endoscopy during the enrollment period participated twice. Patients provided demographic information and completed symptom assessments and the EoE-QOL-A. Analyses included comparisons with overall QOL as well as QOL subscales. Outcome measures included endoscopic activity using a validated instrument, the EoE Endoscopic Reference Score, and histology. Overall QOL was significantly correlated with dysphagia frequency, intensity, and severity (P < 0.001). Patients who experienced a food impaction in the last 30 days had significantly worse overall QOL (P = 0.009). There was no correlation between overall QOL and years since diagnosis, symptom duration, endoscopic features, or histologic findings. Patient symptoms correlated with endoscopic features of edema, rings, and stricture severity. Histologic activity was highly correlated with severity of endoscopic features. Patients who underwent repeat endoscopy with histologic response demonstrated improved eating and social QOL; however, overall QOL was unchanged. In adults with EoE, patient reported QOL is associated with symptom severity but not endoscopic or histologic features. Disease-specific QOL may complement parameters of biologic activity in the assessment of overall disease burden in EoE.

Every-other-day Dosing of Oral Viscous Budesonide Is not Effective in the Management of Eosinophlic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic disorder characterized histologically by esophageal eosinophilia. Oral viscous budesonide (OVB) is an effective treatment with remission rates reported between 55% and 87%; however, topical corticosteroids are associated with increased risk of candidal esophagitis and adrenal suppression. Attempts to decrease the daily dose of topical steroids have resulted in disease relapse. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not reducing the frequency of OVB administration would be effective in controlling esophageal eosinophilia in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data were obtained by retrospective chart review of patients at Boston Children's Hospital diagnosed with EoE, based on endoscopic findings of >15 eosinophils per high power field (eos/HPF) on esophageal biopsies while on acid blockade. Patients with histologic evidence of response (<15 eos/HPF) while on daily OVB had been offered the option of maintenance therapy based on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday (MWF) dosing regimen. Changes in peak esophageal eosinophil counts over time were examined.

RESULTS

Eight male patients ages 5 to 18 years attained clinical response while receiving daily OVB and were subsequently maintained on a MWF OVB dosing regimen for 3 to 7 months. All 8 patients showed an increase in peak esophageal eosinophils, with 7 of 8 (88%) experiencing disease relapse. In fact, the distribution of peak esophageal eosinophils after MWF dosing was not statistically different from peak levels at diagnosis (P = 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

An MWF dosing regimen of OVB was not effective at maintaining histologic response in children and adolescents with EoE. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Relationship of Subepithelial Eosinophilic Inflammation With Epithelial Histology, Endoscopy, Blood Eosinophils, and Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

For technical reasons, the histologic characterization of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-specific alterations is almost exclusively based on those found in the esophageal epithelium, whereas little is known about subepithelial abnormalities. In this study, we aimed to systematically assess the nature of subepithelial histologic alterations, and analyze their relationship with epithelial histologic findings, endoscopic features, and symptoms.

METHODS

Adult patients with established EoE diagnosis were prospectively included during a yearly follow-up visit. Patients underwent assessment of clinical, endoscopic, and histologic disease activity using EoE-specific scores.

RESULTS

We included 200 EoE patients (mean age 43.5±15.7 years, 74% males) with a median peak count of 36 intraepithelial eosinophils/hpf (IQR 14-84). The following histologic features were identified in the subepithelial layer: eosinophilic infiltration (median peak count of 20 eosinophils/hpf (IQR 10-51)), eosinophil degranulation (43%), fibrosis (82%), and lymphoid follicles (56%). Peak intraepithelial eosinophil counts were higher, identical, and lower when compared to the subepithelial layer in 62.5%, 7%, and 30.5% of patients, respectively. Anti-eosinophilic treatment at inclusion did not influence the relation between subepithelial and epithelial peak eosinophil counts. Subepithelial histologic activity correlated with epithelial histologic activity (rho 0.331, P<0.001), endoscopic severity (rho 0.208, P=0.003), and symptom severity (rho 0.179, P=0.011). Forty percent (21/52) of patients with <15 intraepithelial eosinophils/hpf had subepithelial peak counts of ≥15/hpf.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant but modest correlation between subepithelial histologic activity and epithelial histologic activity, endoscopic severity, and symptom severity. The long-term clinical impact of assessing subepithelial alterations in EoE needs to be further elucidated.

New Developments in the Diagnosis, Therapy, and Monitoring of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has transformed over the past two decades from a little-known entity to a significant cause of morbidity in the adult and pediatric population. We reviewed the most recent advancements in the diagnosis, therapy, and long-term monitoring of EoE.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based on clinical, endoscopic, histologic, immunologic, and genetic similarities, there is growing consensus to move away from distinguishing proton pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia as an entity distinct from EoE. An increasing number of studies have identified duration of untreated disease as an important determinant of esophageal stricture formation. New approaches to the empiric elimination diet including one, two, four, and step-up protocols were developed to reduce the need for repeated endoscopies during reintroduction of food triggers. Topical steroids remain the mainstay of medical therapy but newer formulations are under development to optimize esophageal delivery. Novel, disease activity monitoring techniques are being evaluated that assess esophageal inflammatory activity without the need for endoscopy. Understanding of EoE has increased remarkably from the first identification of the disease. The underlying pathogenesis continues to be explored leading to shifts in diagnostic criteria as well as novel therapeutic targets. Innovative methods to monitor disease are under investigation and more research is needed to understand the natural history of EoE.

Management of eosinophilic esophagitis in daily clinical practice

In recent years, new guidelines and recommendations have been published regarding the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients diagnosed with EoE in daily clinical practice and whether this was performed according to current guidelines and recommendations. A population-based, multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the national pathology registry (PALGA), medical records, and telephone interviews of patients diagnosed with EoE in two academic and two nonacademic hospitals in the period 2004 to 2014. The study was approved by all involved ethical committees. Data regarding demographics, clinical manifestations, endoscopic results, histologic samples, and therapeutic strategies were collected. Standard statistical analyses were performed to summarize patient characteristics. We included 119 patients diagnosed with EoE in this study. The median age at onset of symptoms was 29 years (IQR: 15-42) and the median age at diagnosis was 38 years (IQR: 23-51 years), leading to a median diagnostic patients' delay of 6.5 years (IQR: 2-14 years). The median physicians' delay in diagnosis between first contact in the hospital and diagnosis was 1.0 year (IQR: 1-7 years). The incidence of newly diagnosed patients with EoE increased steadily over a period of 11 years. Criteria for the microscopic diagnosis of EoE varied between pathologists in each hospital. Initial treatment included topical corticosteroids (TCS) (30.3%), proton pump inhibitors (PPI) (29.4%), or a combination (10.1%). A follow-up endoscopy was performed in 40.3% of patients. During follow-up, treatment included PPIs (76.0%), TCS (59.6%), a combination of PPIs and TCS (45.4%), and endoscopic dilations (6.7%). Diagnostic and therapeutic discrepancies between daily clinical practice and recommendations from current and past guidelines were observed. Apart from developing guidelines, efforts should be undertaken to implement these in daily clinical practice.

The role of maintenance therapy in eosinophilic esophagitis: who, why, and how?

In patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) who do not respond to proton pump inhibitors, initial anti-inflammatory/anti-eosinophilic treatment is with either topical corticosteroids or dietary elimination. A large body of literature supports the efficacy of these approaches, with histologic response rates in the 50-90% range for steroids and 70% range for the six-food elimination diet. However, these studies are almost all short-term and data evaluating long-term safety and efficacy of either treatment are limited. Nevertheless, because EoE is chronic, symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic disease activity recurs when successful treatments are stopped. An emerging body of data also suggest that left untreated, persistent eosinophilic esophageal inflammation may progress to fibrostenosis over time. Therefore, maintenance therapy in EoE is intuitively attractive. This paper reviews the rationale for maintenance treatment in EoE, the available long-term pharmacologic and dietary response data for EoE, and discusses who may benefit the most from ongoing treatment. While all patients with EoE can be offered maintenance treatment, this option should be strongly recommended in patients with severe disease phenotypes or complications, including malnutrition or failure to thrive, esophageal fibrostenosis, strictures requiring dilation, recurrent food bolus impaction, history of perforation, and symptoms that recur quickly after treatment discontinuation. In all EoE patients, regular follow-up is also advised.

Retrospective Comparison of Fluticasone Propionate and Oral Viscous Budesonide in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is treated with dietary modification and/or pharmacologic management with swallowed topical steroids. Swallowed fluticasone propionate (FP) and oral viscous budesonide (OVB) have proven to be effective in resolving symptoms and reversing histologic changes in children and adults with EoE. There are minimal comparative studies between the 2 agents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to retrospectively compare endoscopic and histologic outcomes after FP versus OVB therapy in children with EoE in our center.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with EoE at a tertiary care center between 2010 and 2015. Inclusion criteria were FP or OVB therapy for ≥8 weeks along with pre- and post-treatment endoscopic evaluation. Demographic and clinical features and endoscopic and histologic assessment were recorded for comparative analysis. Histologic response was defined as <15 eos/hpf and remission as <5 eos/hpf.

RESULTS

The study included 68 EoE patients (20 FP and 48 OVB) with a mean age of 10.6 ± 5.2 years (range 1-20 years); 81% were boys and 68% were Caucasian. No significant demographic or clinical differences were noted between the 2 study groups. Overall histologic response to topical steroids was seen in 44 of 68 (65%) patients. A significantly greater number of patients achieved histologic response with OVB (36/48, 75%) than with FP (8/20, 40%) (P = 0.0059). Mean pretreatment peak eos/hpf was 46 ± 19 in the FP group versus 45 ± 23 in the OVB group. Mean post-treatment peak eos/hpf was 20 ± 29 in the FP group versus 12 ± 16 in the OVB group (P = 0.002). There was also a significantly greater difference in the change of absolute eos/hpf from pre- to post-treatment in the OVB group (-33) versus FP (18) (P = 0.047). A greater number of OVB-treated patients without asthma had a histologic response compared to those with asthma (P = 0.031). The response to OVB was not affected by the delivery vehicle, namely sucralose (Splenda) versus Neocate Duocal.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that treatment with OVB leads to better endoscopic and histologic outcomes than FP. Adherence to treatment and history of asthma are major determining factors in the response to treatments. Using Neocate Duocal as the OVB delivery vehicle is just as effective as sucralose.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a new disease. It is caused by a T-helper type 2 cell response to food antigens in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Although no single feature defines EoE, a constellation of compatible demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings establish the diagnosis. Children present with symptoms and endoscopic patterns characteristic of inflammation, whereas adolescents and adults have manifestations of fibrosis and gross esophageal strictures. Clinical and endoscopic scoring systems have helped to standardize diagnosis. There is controversy in EoE research over the optimal endpoint for treatment. Although the most common endpoint is a reduced number of eosinophils in biopsies, changes in symptoms and endoscopic features are becoming important targets of therapy. We should improve our understanding of EoE progression and the need for maintenance therapy, and continue development of diagnostic tools that avoid endoscopy and biopsy analyses to more easily monitor disease activity.

Future Directions in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis advances parallel the increased prevalence. Developments include refining the diagnostic criteria, identifying risk factors, appreciating the contribution of inflammatory pathways, recognizing the importance of subepithelial remodeling, validating trial endpoints, defining a role for biological therapies, and optimizing dietary therapy. Endoscopic outcomes have emerged as endpoints in trials of novel therapeutics. Expanding efforts seek to develop less-invasive methods to assess disease activity thereby reducing the burden of repeated endoscopic procedures during elimination diets. The functional lumen imaging probe is now identified as a determinant of complications with potential utility as a therapeutic endpoint.

Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an emerging disease that is distinguished from gastroesophageal reflux disease by the expression of a unique esophageal transcriptome and the interplay of early life environmental factors with distinct genetic susceptibility elements at 5q22 (TSLP) and 2p23 (CAPN14). Rare genetic syndromes have uncovered the contribution of barrier disruption, mediated in part by defective desmosomes and dysregulated transforming growth factor beta production and signaling, to eosinophilic esophagitis pathophysiology. Experimental modeling has defined a cooperative role of activated eosinophils, mast cells, and the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, mediated by allergic sensitization to multiple foods. Understanding these processes is opening the way to better treatment based on disrupting allergic inflammatory and type 2 cytokine-mediated responses, including anti-cytokine therapeutics and dietary therapy.

Epidemiology and Natural History of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has emerged over the past 2 decades as a major cause of upper gastrointestinal morbidity. Over this time, the epidemiology of EoE has also rapidly evolved. EoE has transformed from a rare case-reportable condition to disease that is commonly encountered in the gastroenterology clinic, hospital emergency room, and endoscopy suite. The incidence and prevalence are increasing at rates that outpace increased disease recognition. Current incidence estimates range from 5 to 10 cases per 100,000, and current prevalence estimates range from 0.5 to 1 case per 1000. We review the data and potential reasons behind this increase, examine risk factors, and identify important areas for research into disease etiology. The article also discusses the progression of EoE from an inflammatory to fibrostenotic phenotype. An accurate view of the natural history of EoE is central to discussions with patients regarding disease prognosis and decisions about long-term use of medical, endoscopic, and diet therapies. Progressive remodelling appears to be gradual, but not universal, and the duration of untreated disease is the best predictor of stricture risk. Ultimately, prospective, long-term outcome studies focusing on multiple aspects of disease activity are needed to fully understand the natural history of EoE.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: An Update

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is defined as a chronic, immune-medicated or antigen-mediated, esophageal disease, characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation. Food allergens are identified in most patients. Treatment strategies include elimination diets, drugs, and esophageal dilation. This article focuses on pharmacologic treatment. Currently, there is no pharmacologic treatment that has been approved by regulatory authorities. Established pharmacologic options to treat EoE include proton pump inhibitors and swallowed topical steroids. Several biologic therapies are currently under evaluation and some of them have shown promising results in improving biologic endpoints and patient-reported outcomes.

Evidence of an abnormal epithelial barrier in active, untreated and corticosteroid-treated eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated disease characterized by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and an eosinophil-predominant inflammation. This study has aimed to investigate whether the recently observed sensitization to Candida albicans in patients with EoE is owing to pre-existing disease and its underlying abnormal epithelial barrier or, alternatively, is linked to corticosteroid (CS) therapy.

METHODS

Medical histories, as well as serum and tissue samples of 60 patients with EoE (15 CS naive, 45 with current or previous CS therapy) and 20 controls, stored in the Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Database (SEED) and Biobank, were analyzed. We applied ImmunoCAP to measure IgE levels and immunofluorescence techniques to examine epithelial barrier components.

RESULTS

Patients with EoE had higher total IgE levels and were more frequently sensitized to C. albicans than controls. In EoE tissue specimens, increased numbers of eosinophils and mast cells, a higher expression levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), cathelicidin, proteases, that is, the kallikreins (KLK)-5 and KLK-7, were observed as compared with controls, while reduced expression of lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI), filaggrin, E-cadherin, claudin, occludin, desmoglein-1 was found, independent of CS therapy. In CS-treated EoE, significantly lower numbers of CD1a+ cells and cathelicidin expression were noted as compared to CS-naive EoE.

CONCLUSION

This study provides further evidence that EoE is associated with an abnormal epithelial barrier and postulates that CS therapy, by reducing innate immune mechanisms, may promote C. albicans colonization and likely subsequent sensitization.

The role of endoscopy in eosinophilic esophagitis: from diagnosis to therapy

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has arisen as a common disorder in current clinical and endoscopic gastroenterology practice. Areas covered: A comprehensive review of the literature to summarize and update different aspects related with the use of endoscopy in the diagnostic workout and treatment of pediatric and adult EoE patients is conducted. Expert commentary: Endoscopic features in EoE are frequently subtle, so were inadverted in some initial reports of the disease. Literature has described a wide number of EoE-associated features, systematized in the EREFS classification, which standardized the grade and severity of exudates, rings, edema, furrows, and strictures. The insufficient reliability of these features to predict eosinophilic inflammation still makes biopsies essential in diagnosing or monitoring EoE. EoE causes half of the food impactions requiring endoscopy; food impaction leads to EoE diagnosis in up to half of cases. Long term consequences of EoE include esophageal remodeling leading to strictures and narrowing, thus impairing symptoms and needs dilation. Recognizing the risks from dilation in EoE required carrying out a safe technique to avoid the high complication rate reported in the early literature. Endoscopic dilation should be considered in patients with esophageal narrowing and dysphagia/food impaction unresponsive to diet or drugs-based anti-inflammatory treatment.

Dietary Therapy and Nutrition Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Work Group Report of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic/immune-antigen-mediated disease characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation. Dietary elimination therapy has been shown to be an effective, drug-free prescription for the treatment of EoE. A range of different dietary elimination therapies have been used. Regardless of the elimination diet chosen, dietary therapy requires in-depth nutrition assessment and management. Elimination diets are not without risk and may impact nutritional status, eating pleasure, and overall quality of life. With adequate guidance, dietary therapy can be effective and nutritionally balanced, and the adverse impact on lifestyle can be minimized. This work group report addresses the potential challenges of implementing an elimination diet for the management of EoE and provides instructions and tools for physicians, dietitians, and other allied health professionals to help guide them in planning elimination diets for both children and adults.

Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Unlike traditional food allergies, immunoglobulin E (IgE) is not a key mediator of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Nonetheless, foods antigens are important triggers of EoE, and allergists play an important role in management of this chronic disease. This review addresses insights into the diagnosis and management as it relates to our evolving understanding about the pathogenesis of EoE.

Food elimination diets are effective for long-term treatment of adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Limited data describe the long-term efficacy of dietary elimination in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

AIM

To assess the long-term outcomes of food elimination diets for treatment of adults with EoE.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our centre analysing all EoE patients receiving a food elimination diet without concomitant steroids. Baseline data were abstracted using standardised collection forms. Follow-up data from a mean 24.9-month period were collected for patients with a histological response to a food elimination diet during and after food reintroduction. The main outcomes were symptomatic, endoscopic and histological responses.

RESULTS

Of 52 patients, 18 received a 6-food food elimination diet, 32 received targeted diet, and two received a 6-food food elimination diet with targeted elimination. There were 21 (40%) patients with an initial histological response. Responders reported less dysphagia after treatment (95% baseline vs 11%; P = .001) and at the end of follow-up (95% baseline vs 33%; P = .008). Significant and durable endoscopic improvements were recorded at the same time points: Endoscopic reference score: 3.2 vs 0.7; P = .001; and 3.2 vs 1.7; P = .06. Histological findings improved after the most restrictive diet in responders (49.8 vs 4.1 eosinophils per high-power field; P = .001) and remained suppressed in the 10 initial responders maintaining compliance at the end of follow-up (5.2 eosinophils per high-power field).

CONCLUSIONS

Among EoE patients responding to a food elimination diet and remaining adherent, maintenance dietary therapy produced durable long-term symptomatic, endoscopic and histological disease control. These long-term data confirm that a food elimination diet is an effective maintenance treatment option in select adults with EoE.

Esophageal dilation with either bougie or balloon technique as a treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Esophageal dilation is a now recognized to be an important therapeutic modality in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to evaluate the safety of esophageal dilation in EoE, especially regarding perforation risk, and to examine perforation risk by dilator type.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the published literature from January 1, 1950 to June 30, 2016 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they described patients with EoE who underwent elective esophageal dilation and also reported the presence or absence of at least 1 adverse event (eg, perforation, bleeding, pain, or hospitalization). We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the frequency of each adverse event.

RESULTS

Of 923 identified articles, 37 met inclusion criteria and represented 2034 dilations in 977 patients. On meta-analysis, postprocedure hospitalization occurred in .689% of dilations (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-1.42%), clinically significant GI hemorrhage in .028% (95% CI, 0%-.217%), and clinically significant chest pain in 3.64% (95% CI, 1.73%-5.55%). Nine perforations were documented, at a rate of .033% (95% CI, 0%-.226%) per procedure after meta-analysis. None of the perforations resulted in surgical intervention or mortality. Most (5/9) were reported before 2009 (rate, .41% [95% CI, 0%-2.75%]); from 2009 forward the rate was .030% (95% CI, 0%-.225%). Dilation method was described in 30 studies (1957 dilations), in which 4 perforations were detected. The estimated perforation rate for bougies was .022% (95% CI, 0%-.347%) and for balloons was .059% (95% CI, 0%-.374%).

CONCLUSIONS

Perforation from esophageal dilation in EoE is rare, and there is no evidence of a significant difference in perforation risk related to dilator type. Esophageal dilation should be considered a safe procedure in EoE.