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

The Effectiveness of Budesonide Once Daily as Maintenance Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) are an effective first-line therapy for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), both for induction and maintenance of remission. All interventional trials with STC used twice-daily dosing regimens. However, in other inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, corticosteroids are given once daily (OD) with equal outcomes and improved compliance.

GOALS

To evaluate the effectiveness of topical budesonide maintenance treatment in a once-daily dosing schedule.

STUDY

Retrospective analysis of confirmed patients with EoE, treated with topical budesonide as maintenance therapy OD, with adequate follow-up available. Patients currently treated with budesonide were contacted to fill out online questionnaires regarding symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The primary end point was histologic remission, defined as peak eosinophil count (PEC) <15 eosinophils per high power field (HPF) after >12 weeks of budesonide OD.

RESULTS

We included 29 patients on STC OD (1 mg, N=28; 0.5 mg, N=1), either budesonide orodispersible tablet (BOT, Jorveza, Dr. Falk Pharma; N=12) or budesonide viscous solution (BVS; N=17). After a median follow-up of 767 days on OD dosing (range: 103 to 2396), 86% of patients were in histologic remission. Four patients had histologic disease activity, of which one was treated with BOT. Two patients experienced a slight increase in PEC after dose reduction of BVS to OD (to PEC of 25 and 35/HPF, respectively). However, after switching the formulation to BOT OD they achieved histologic remission.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, we demonstrated favorable results in the majority of patients treated with budesonide 1 mg OD as maintenance treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal food impaction in adults : A position paper issued by the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH)

This position paper deals with an expert consensus on diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal food impaction issued by the Austrian Eosinophilic Esophagitis Network, a working group under the patronage of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH). In need of a standardized approach on the management of EoE, recommendations were made based on international guidelines and landmark studies.

Salivary microRNAs in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis

Background: Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) occur via esophagogastroduodenoscopy with tissue biopsy. Objective: We sought to determine if salivary microribonucleic acid (miRNA) levels could differentiate children with EoE, serving as a noninvasive biomarker. Methods: Saliva was collected from children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (N = 291). miRNA analysis was conducted on 150 samples: EoE (n = 50), no pathologic alteration (n = 100). RNA was quantified with high throughput sequencing and aligned to build hg38 of the human genome using sequencing and alignment software. Quantile normalized levels of robustly expressed miRNAs (raw counts > 10 in 10% of samples) were compared across EoE and non-EoE groups with Wilcoxon rank sum testing. miRNA biomarker candidates were selected based on variable importance projection (VIP) scoring with partial least squared discriminant analysis (VIP > 1.5). Ability of these miRNAs to differentiate EoE status was assessed via logistic regression. Putative biologic targets for the miRNA candidates were determined in miRNA pathway analysis software. Results: Of the 56 salivary miRNAs reliably detected, miR-205-5p displayed the largest difference between EoE and non-EoE groups (V = 1623, adjusted p = 0.029). Six miRNAs (miR-26b-5p, miR-27b-3p, Let-7i-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-30a-5p, miR-205-5p) displayed elevated VIP scores (>1.5) and were able to differentiate EoE samples on logistic regression analysis with 70% sensitivity and 68% specificity. These six miRNAs demonstrated significant enrichment for gene targets involved in valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis (p = 0.0012), 2-oxycarboxylic acid metabolism (p = 0.043), and steroid hormone biosynthesis (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Salivary miRNAs represent a noninvasive, biologically relevant measure that may aid disease monitoring of EoE.

Treatment Trends for Eosinophilic Esophagitis and the Other Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases: Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gut, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastritis (EoG), duodenitis (EoD), gastroenteritis (EoGE), and colitis (EoC). Available treatments may be ineffective in some patients, and several clinical trials are investigating alternative treatments.

AIM

We performed a systematic review of clinical trials to illustrate EGIDs treatment research trends.

METHODS

We searched clinicaltrials.gov to identify studies investigating EGIDs treatment. For each trial we analysed relevant data, including therapeutic intervention, method of administration, study outcomes, and temporal trends.

RESULTS

For EoE, 66 studies were eligible: 26 testing topical corticosteroids (39.4%), 17 (25.8%) monoclonal antibodies, eight (12.1%) dietary measures, five (7.6%) immunomodulators, one (1.5%) esophageal dilation, and nine (13.6%) other medical treatment strategies. With regard to EoG, EoD, and EoGE, 10 studies were testing monoclonal antibodies (71.5%), one immunomodulators (7.1%), one dietary measures (7.1%), and two other treatments (14.3%). There were no trials for EoC. Ongoing studies on corticosteroids are focused on novel delivery systems, including viscous suspensions, orally disintegrating tablets, or capsules. Increased research on monoclonal antibodies was seen from 2018, with interleukin (IL)-4 receptor-α, IL-5 receptor-α, IL-5, IL-13, IL-15, and Siglec-8 as the targets.

CONCLUSION

Clinical trials on EGIDs are predominantly investigating corticosteroids or monoclonal antibodies. EGIDs therapeutic landscape will be trasnformed imminently.

A meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials of treating eosinophilic esophagitis with budesonide

OBJECTIVE

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, local immune-mediated inflammatory oesophageal disease. Although Budesonide is recommended as one of the first-line drugs for EoE treatment, its efficacy is still controversial in multiple studies. Due to the continuous emergence of new and reliable research evidence in recent years, we updated the meta-analysis using RCT trial results to evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Retrieve the data of the randomised controlled trial literature from 2000 to June 20, 2021, on using Budesonide in the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis from the three major databases. Based on the results achieved with the Cochrane risk assessment tool, evaluate the quality of the included literature to extract the data, and perform the Meta-analysis with RevMan5.4 and Stata15.0.

RESULTS

A total of 958 articles were retrieved, with 10 articles finally included, thus forming a sample size of 712 cases. The main outcome indicators of the meta-analysis are as follows: (1) Histological remission: the Budesonide group performs better than the placebo control group when it comes to histological remission of injuries [RR = 23.82, 95%CI = (13.46, 42.21), p < .001]; (2) Eosinophil count: the Budesonide group is superior to the control group in terms of reduced eosinophil count [SMD = -1.34, 95%CI = (-1.52, -1.15), p < .001].

CONCLUSION

More and more high-quality randomised controlled trials show that oral budesonide in the treatment of eosinophils esophagitis was better than the placebo group. Mounting high-quality RCTs have confirmed the efficacy of oral budesonide in the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis and that the effects of this drug may not be so dose-dependent. It is safe to take budesonide for a long time, and this drug is a relatively ideal option for drug treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis at present, so it is worthy of clinical application.Key MessagesWe used high-quality randomised controlled trials to meta-update the previous results to further confirm the clinical efficacy and safety of budesonide.Oral budesonide in the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis is significantly better than the placebo control group. We have confirmed the value of its clinical application and promotion by including more high-quality randomised controlled trials.We also found that the efficacy of budesonide in patients is not dose-dependent, and more research is needed to confirm this.

Pharmacotherapies in eosinophilic esophagitis: state of the art

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated esophageal disease with a Th2 inflammatory response to inhalant and food allergens that cause an eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal mucosa. The diagnosis requires an upper endoscopy with esophageal bioptic samples, in particular the number of eosinophils must be >15 eos/high power field. The main symptoms of EoE in adults are dysphagia and food impaction, and its incidence is growing. Nowadays, the etiology of EoE is not well understood and no standard therapy is available. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the major studies present in literature regarding the various therapeutic approaches to this disease.

Formulations of Topical Steroids in Eosinophilic Esophagitis-Current Treatment and Emerging Possibilities

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterised by eosinophilic inflammation and esophageal dysfunction symptoms. The recommended first-line treatment options are proton pump inhibitors and swallowed topical steroids (STS). However, current recommendations regarding STS are based on relatively few studies employing various doses and formulations. Our aim was to review the STS formulations currently used in the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis, to demonstrate in a practical way the variety of exiting application methods, and to present emerging options for STS delivery to the esophagus. After the literature review, we established that the three most commonly used STS formulations include mist from an inhaler, viscous suspensions compounded with vehicles for oral use, and a recently introduced proprietary medication in the form of orodispersible tablets. Several drug delivery technologies with potential use in EoE are under investigation. To ensure optimal adherence, the choice of formulation should be based on efficacy, patient preferences and experience of the clinician, as well as current recommendations. Further studies are needed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of existing STS types, and to develop new, well-tolerated and effective drug formulations.

Evidence-based treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: insights for the clinician

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation. Left untreated, EoE progresses to fibrous remodeling and stricture formation that impairs quality of life. Therefore, EoE requires either repeated treatments or maintenance therapy. Current guidelines recommend swallowed topical corticosteroids (STCs), proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), or dietary intervention as initial options to induce and maintain long-term disease remission. Impractical exclusive elemental diets and suboptimal allergy testing-directed food avoidance paved the way for empirical elimination diets. These are moderately effective and highly reproducible in inducing EoE remission and allow for identification of specific food triggers. Step-up strategies, including two- and four-food rather than six-food elimination diets, should be considered as initial approaches for dietary treatment in patients of all ages, as they reduce the need for endoscopic procedures, shorten diagnostic processing time, and avoid unnecessary restrictions. Formulations of STC originally designed for asthma therapy are suboptimal for EoE treatment, with new effervescent orodispersible tablets and viscose formulations designed to coat the esophageal mucosa providing increased effectiveness at reduced doses. The anti-inflammatory effects of PPI in EoE are independent from gastric acid secretion inhibition; despite evidence from observational research, PPIs are the most commonly prescribed first-line therapy for EoE due to their accessibility, low cost, and safety profile. Double doses of PPI only induce remission in half of EoE patients, irrespective of the drug used or patients' age. Inflammatory rather than stricturing EoE phenotype and treatment duration up to 12 weeks increase chances of achieving EoE remission. Most responders effectively maintain long-term remission with standard PPI doses. Finally, endoscopic dilation should be considered in patients with reduced esophageal caliber or persistent dysphagia despite histological remission. This article provides a state-of-the-art review and updated discussion of current therapies and newly developed options for EoE.

Histologic and Clinical Effects of Different Topical Corticosteroids for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Lessons from an Updated Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids (TS) have become standard therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, a variety of drug formulations have been used for which results of histological and clinical responses may be different. We aimed at determining the short-term histologic efficacy of TS for EoE based on randomized placebo-controlled trials and to review clinical response.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TS versus placebo for active EoE published until June 2019. Treatment effects were calculated as risk ratios (RRs) comparing histologic remission between groups.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs (6 budesonide and 3 fluticasone) involving a total of 483 participants were included. A substantial overall effect of TS on acute histologic remission (RR 12.5, 95% confidence interval 6.0-25.9) was found despite varying definitions of histologic response. Indirect comparisons between drug and formulation types showed a trend for a better histologic efficacy of budesonide (RR 13.5 vs. 10.4 fluticasone) and for the orodispersible tablet (RR 46.2 vs. 11.5 suspension, and 10.4 nebulized formula/spray), but only based on small patient numbers. Scores used for clinical response assessment were different between studies, and short-term clinical results were less impressive: significant differences favoring TS were found in 4/9 RCTs (4/6 budesonide, 0/3 fluticasone).

CONCLUSIONS

TS are effective for short-term induction of histological remission in EoE with less impressive clinical response rates. The mode of drug delivery to the esophagus may be a relevant factor for the degree of histologic remission. Further trials should use uniform assessment criteria and long-term patient-centered outcomes.

A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults and Children

BACKGROUND

Network meta-analysis is used as a data synthesizer, incorporating direct and indirect evidence about treatments in a series of randomized control trials.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comparative efficacy of various treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS

We performed a network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect data to investigate the efficiency of drug therapies, which were evaluated in relevant randomized control trials for EoE.

RESULTS

Seventeen eligible studies (14 two-arm and 3 multiple-arm) were introduced to the meta-analysis. A total of 1011 patients were included, in whom 15 therapeutic interventions were used, namely: (1) budesonide oral suspension, (2) budesonide 1 mg orodispersible tablet twice daily, (3) budesonide 2 mg orodispersible tablet twice daily, (4) esomeprazole, (5) fluticasone, (6) nebulized steroid, (7) placebo, (8) prednisone, (9) anti-IL-5-mab (mepolizumab), (10) anti-IL-5-mab [reslizumab(1), ie, 1 mg/kg], (11) anti-IL-5-mab [reslizumab(2), ie, 2 mg/kg], (12) anti-IL-5-mab [reslizumab(3), ie, 3 mg/kg], (13) anti-IL-13-mab (QAX 576), (14) anti-IL-13-mab [RCP 4046 (180)], and (15) anti-IL-13-mab [RCP 4046 (360)]. Budesonide 1 mg orodispersible tablet twice daily showed the highest efficacy (SUCRA 0.91), whereas placebo was the least effective. In adult patients budesonide 1 mg orodispersible tablet twice daily remained the optimal treatment approach, whereas the corresponding therapeutic approach in pediatric patients was fluticasone.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that budesonide 1 mg orodispersible tablet twice daily was the best treatment for EoE, as it was the most effective. This treatment remained the optimal approach in adult patients, whereas fluticasone was the best treatment in pediatric patients.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: clinical, endoscopic, histologic and therapeutic differences and similarities between children and adults

In the absence of secondary causes, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, local, progressive, T-helper type 2 immune-mediated disorder characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation. In the last 20 years, the incidence and prevalence of EoE have risen sharply, and the chances of encountering affected patients in clinics and endoscopy rooms have increased. Nevertheless, it is estimated that the mean diagnostic delay of EoE is 4-6 years in both children and adults. Unfortunately, the longer the disease stays unrecognized, the likelier it is for the patient to have persistent or increased esophageal eosinophilic inflammation, to complain of non-resolving symptoms, and to develop fibrotic complications. Early detection depends on the recognition of initial clinical manifestations that vary from childhood to adulthood and even among patients of the same age. The disease phenotype also influences therapeutic approaches that include drugs, dietary interventions, and esophageal dilation. We have herein reviewed epidemiologic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features and therapeutic options of EoE focusing on differences and similarities between children and adults that may certainly serve in daily clinical practice.

Treatment of eosinophlic esophagitis with swallowed topical corticosteroids

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging chronic local immune-mediated disease of the esophagus. Beside proton pump inhibitors and food-restriction-diets swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) can be offered as a first line therapy according to current guidelines. This review describes the background and practical management of STCs in EoE. So far, mainly asthma inhalers containing either budesonide or fluticasone have been administered to the esophagus by swallowing these medications “off label”. Recently esophagus-targeted formulations of topical steroids have been developed showing clinicopathological response rates up to 85% - an orodispersible tablet of budesonide has been approved as the first “in label” medication for EoE in Europe in June 2018. Whereas it was shown that disease remission induction of EoE by STCs is highly effective, there is still a lack of data regarding long-term and maintenance therapy. However, current studies on STC maintenance therapy add some movement into the game.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment in Pediatric Patients

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by symptomatic esophageal dysfunction and an eosinophil-predominant inflammation of the esophagus. EoE arises from interaction between genetic and environmental factors. In pediatric patients, clinical manifestations vary depending on age, from a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like condition to severe dysphagic symptoms. Upper endoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring of EoE; however, significant efforts are underway to identify noninvasive diagnostic tools and biomarkers to avoid repetitive invasive procedures. Therapeutic first-line options currently available for EoE are elimination diets, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and steroids. The aim of treatment is to improve clinical symptoms while obtaining mucosal healing and avoiding long-term complications. Dietary treatment options comprise different empiric diets or an exclusively amino acid formula. Despite the efficacy of diets, compliance is often challenging. PPIs and topical steroids represent the main pharmacological options for EoE, and both can induce and maintain remission. Topical steroids have been reported as more effective, but data on long-term safety remain insufficient for both these and PPIs. Endoscopic dilations are currently reserved for severe untreated fibrostenotic disease unresponsive to medical therapies. Several biologic agents are available but not yet approved for EoE.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults: A Concise Overview of an Evolving Disease

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that encompasses esophageal symptoms along with eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium. EoE is an evolving disease that has been a subject of interest to many researchers since the first studies recognized this condition as a new and distinct clinicopathological entity 25 years ago. Clinical presentation in adult patients may include dysphagia, food impaction, vomiting, and reflux symptoms. The diagnosis of EoE is based on the combination of clinical history suggestive of esophageal dysfunction, endoscopic features indicative of the disease, and histology revealing eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium that persists after a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy along with the exclusion of other disorders that may be associated with esophageal tissue eosinophilia. The interplay between EoE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex, and differentiating these two conditions continues to be difficult and challenging in clinical practice. The mainstay treatment includes dietary modification, topical steroids, and/or endoscopic dilation. The primary care physician (PCP) plays an important role in improving patient care and quality of life by ensuring early referral and participating in management and follow-up. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge base regarding the disease including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, common clinical presentations, the interplay between EoE and GERD, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options available to the PCP.

Pharmacological treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: current options and emerging therapies

Introduction: The epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has increased rapidly to represent a common cause of chronic and recurrent esophageal symptoms. Current treatment options have limitations so the development of novel therapies is a matter of growing interest.Areas covered: This article provides an up-to-date discussion of current therapies and investigational options for EoE. Established anti-inflammatory treatments for EoE at present include dietary therapy, proton pump inhibitors and swallowed topic steroids, which should be combined with endoscopic dilation in case of strictures. Refractoriness, high recurrence rates, and need for long-term therapies have promoted the investigation of novel, esophageal-targeted formulas of topic corticosteroids, and monoclonal antibodies (including mepolizumab, reslizumab, QAX576, RPC4046, dupilumab, omalizumab, infliximab, and vedolizumab) for EoE, with some having been demonstrated as effective and safe in the short term. Several additional promising therapies are also discussed.Expert opinion: Several therapeutic targets have shown efficacy and will be approved to treat EoE, especially corticosteroid-sparing options and those for patients with multiple Th2-associated diseases. Personalized therapeutic strategies for initial and maintenance treatments of EoE must be rationally designed, to reduce the burden of disease and answer meaningfully the needs of all stakeholders involved in EoE.

Regional Differences in Food Allergies

The prevalence of food allergies is increasing worldwide. To understand the regional specificities of food allergies and develop effective therapeutic interventions, extensive regional epidemiological studies are necessary. While data regarding incidence, prevalence, regional variation, and treatment in food allergies are available for western countries, such studies may not be available in many Asian countries. China accounts for almost 20% of the world's population and has a vast ethnic diversity, but large-scale meta-analyses of epidemiological studies of food allergy in China are lacking. A literature search revealed 22 publications on the prevalence of food allergy in Chinese populations. A review of these studies showed that the prevalence of food allergies in China is comparable to that in western countries, even though the Chinese diet is vastly different from that of the West and may vary even greatly within China, and finally, specific antigenic triggers of food allergy vary between China and the West and also within China. Current clinical management of food allergy in China includes allergen-specific immunotherapy, Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Western medicine. This study demonstrates an unmet need in China for a thorough investigation of the prevalence of food allergies in China, the specific foods involved, and characterization of the specific antigenic triggers of food allergy with respect to ethnicity, age, and diet in China.

Esophageal Dysphagia in the Elderly

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With a globally aging population, dysphagia is a growing health concern among elderly. Increasing reflux disease has contributed to an increased prevalence of dysphagia from peptic strictures and esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. This review article focuses on recent advances in the approach and management of esophageal dysphagia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe is a novel test that complements upper endoscopy, esophagram, and esophageal manometry for evaluation of esophageal dysphagia. Opioid induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) is an emerging clinical entity that can mimic achalasia. Strictures refractory to dilation can be treated with intralesional steroid injections, electrosurgical incision, or esophageal stents. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is gaining in popularity for treatment of achalasia and other spastic disorders of esophagus. Treatment of esophageal dysphagia may include proton pump inhibitors, endoscopic dilation, or surgery and requires a personalized approach based on risks and benefits. POEM is a valuable therapy for achalasia, but further studies are needed to evaluate its use, and other alternatives, for treatment of OIED and spastic esophageal disorders.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: pitfalls and controversies in diagnosis and management

Formerly considered a rare disorder, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has emerged as a leading cause of feeding problems in children and an increasingly recognized cause of dysphagia and food impaction in adults. Our understanding of EoE and its complex interplay with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) has evolved over the past decade and culminated in the introduction of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responsive EoE as a distinct entity which has added to this complexity. It is now clear that this entity is on the same spectrum as the original EoE, and that PPIs should be considered as part of treatment protocol and should not be recommended as a diagnostic tool. As such, removing the PPI trial from the diagnostic algorithm has been encouraged recently. Recent guidelines and reviews thoroughly address various aspects in EoE pathogenesis and diagnostic workup as well as management endpoints, treatment options and novel therapies. However, despite the recent extensive study and the advances in our knowledge of this disease, unmet needs and pitfalls in diagnostic workup and management of these patients are still to be clarified and will be under focus in this review.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: doubts and future perspectives

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder and represents the leading cause of food impaction. The pathogenesis of EoE is the result of an interplay between genetic, environmental and host immune system factors. New therapeutic approaches for EoE have been proposed. In this manuscript we review the current evidence regarding EoE management in pediatric age, with a particular focus on new findings related to the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies.

Main body

Conventional therapies have failed in treating some patients with EoE, which then requires aggressive procedures such as esophageal dilatation. The most effective available medical therapy for EoE is swallowed topic corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate and budesonide), which have two main drawbacks: they are related to well-known adverse effects (especially in the paediatric population), and there are not enough long-term data to confirm that they are able to reverse the remodelling process of the esophageal mucosa, which is the major cause of EoE symptoms (including dysphagia, abdominal pain, nausea, obstruction, perforation and vomiting). The monoclonal antibodies appear to be an interesting therapeutic approach. However, the studies conducted until now have shown substantial histological improvement not coupled with significant clinical improvements and no significant relationship between a decreasing number of eosinophils and clinical symptoms, highlighting the importance in the pathogenesis of EoE of cells such as T-helper cells, mast cells, B cells, epithelial cells and natural killer cells.

Conclusions

Monoclonal antibodies targeting a signal involved in the pathogenesis of EoE may not break the complex self-propagating inflammatory activation responsible for perpetuation of the inflammatory response and the development of symptoms and complications. We speculate that combined biological therapies targeting more than one molecule or cell may provide better results, with conventional therapies potentially enhancing the effects of antibodies. However, further studies should aim to find the best therapeutic approach to target the cells involved in the remodelling process and to reverse the histological changes in this complex clinical condition.

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.

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 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.

Efficacy of Pharmacologic Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

GOALS

In order to provide a comparative evaluation of available pharmacologic treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we conducted a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

A variety of pharmacologic treatments for EoE have been reported, however there exists a paucity of direct comparisons.

STUDY

We searched randomized controlled trials using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database through December 2014. Studies were analyzed using a random-effects network meta-analysis to identify the most effective therapy. Subgroup analysis was performed among studies that excluded gastroesophageal reflux disease or proton-pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia, and also among pediatric and adult populations. The ranking probability for the efficacy of each treatment was analyzed. Consistency of the included randomized controlled trials was checked by applying inconsistency and node-splitting models.

RESULTS

Eleven studies of a total of 456 patients were identified. Six pharmacologic treatments (budesonide suspension and viscous, fluticasone, prednisone, esomeprazole, and mepolizumab) and placebo were included in our analysis. Meta-analysis showed superiority of budesonide viscous, budesonide suspension, and fluticasone over placebo. Network meta-analysis demonstrated the rank order of efficacy as budesonide viscous, esomeprazole, prednisone, budesonide suspension, fluticasone, mepolizumab, and placebo. The results were consistent from the inconsistency model analysis and node-splitting analysis. Subgroup analysis demonstrated prednisone, budesonide suspension, and esomeprazole were the most effective when network meta-analyses were performed among studies that excluded gastroesophageal reflux disease or proton-pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia, and among pediatric and adult populations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of this network meta-analysis, viscous budesonide was shown to be the most effective pharmacologic therapy for EoE among the reported pharmacologic treatments.

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.

Recent advances in eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, antigen-driven, eosinophil-predominant inflammatory disease of the esophagus and affects both children and adults. Cutting-edge technologies, such as genome-wide association studies, have advanced our understanding of the disease pathogenesis at a remarkable rate. Recent insights from genetic and mechanistic studies have concluded that a complex interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors, allergic sensitization, and esophageal-specific pathways leads to disease pathogenesis. Importantly, recent epidemiologic studies have found that the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis continue to rise. New guidelines have advocated the elimination of the term proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-responsive esophageal eosinophilia and have recommended using PPIs as a first-line treatment modality. Systemic reviews and meta-analyses confirm the efficacy of PPIs, topical corticosteroids, and empiric food elimination diets. Unmet needs include the development of birth cohort studies, validated diagnostic scoring systems, minimally invasive disease-monitoring methods, and the development of new therapies.

Six-Food Elimination Diet and Topical Steroids are Effective for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids or six-food elimination diet is recommended as initial therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

AIMS

We aimed to summarize published manuscripts that report outcomes of these therapies for EoE.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase of published manuscripts describing topical fluticasone, topical budesonide, and six-food elimination diet as therapies for EoE. We conducted meta-analysis of symptom improvement and the change in peak mucosal eosinophil count, with heterogeneity between studies examined with meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Systematic review yielded 51 articles that met inclusion criteria. Summary histologic response rates were 68.3% [95% prediction limits (PL) 16.2-96.0%] for fluticasone, 76.8% (95% PL 36.1-95.1%) for budesonide, and 69.0% (95% PL 31.9-91.4%) for six-food elimination diet. Corresponding decreases in eosinophil counts were 37.8 (95% PL 19.0-56.7), 62.5 (95% PL 125.6 to -0.67, and 44.6 (95% PL 26.5-62.7), respectively. Symptom response rates were 82.3% (95% PL 68.1-91.1%), 87.9% (95% PL 42.7-98.6%), and 87.3% (95% PL 64.5-96.3%), respectively. Meta-regression analyses decreased the initially large estimate of residual heterogeneity and suggested differences in histologic response rate associated with study populations' baseline eosinophil count and age.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature describing topical corticosteroids and six-food elimination diet consists of small studies with diverse methods and population characteristics. Meta-analysis with meta-regression shows initial histologic and symptomatic response rates on the same order of magnitude for topical corticosteroids and six-food elimination diet, but heterogeneity of study designs prevents direct comparison of modalities.

Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Based on Pathophysiological Evidence

Over the past decades eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been increasingly diagnosed, and significant progress has been made in our understanding of its pathophysiology. As EoE cannot be cured yet, treatment goals are suppression of disease activity and symptoms as well as the prevention of progression to a more severe disease phenotype. Disease-modifying treatment options can be divided into dietary therapy and immunosuppressive medications, of which topical steroids have been most investigated, yet are still prescribed off-label. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in our understanding of EoE and discuss the mechanisms of action of current treatment options, with emphasis on the role of the esophageal epithelial barrier and the effects of proton-pump inhibitors in the management of patients with EoE.

Recent discoveries and emerging therapeutics in eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergy-mediated disease culminating in severe eosinophilic inflammation and dysfunction of the esophagus. This chronic disorder of the esophagus causes significant morbidity, poor quality of life, and complications involving fibrosis and esophageal remodeling. Overlapping features between EoE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) pose great challenges to differentiating the two conditions, although the two disorders are not mutually exclusive. Recent findings suggest that the confounding condition proton pump inhibitor - responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) is likely a subset of EoE. Since PPIs have therapeutic properties that can benefit EoE, PPIs should be considered as a therapeutic option for EoE rather than a diagnostic screen to differentiate GERD, PPI-REE, and EoE. Other current treatments include dietary therapy, corticosteroids, and dilation. Immunomodulators and biologic agents might have therapeutic value, and larger trials are needed to assess efficacy and safety. Understanding the pathophysiology of EoE is critical to the development of novel therapeutics.