PATIENT-REPORTED SYMPTOMS OF EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS IN THE UNITED STATES: EVIDENCE FROM REAL-WORLD CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergen-induced, inflammatory disease of the esophagus, with common symptoms of dysphagia, food impaction, abdominal pain, and nausea. This real-world study describes US patient self-reported EoE symptoms and impacts on well-being and activities of daily living (ADL). <h3>Methods</h3> We analyzed data from the Adelphi Real World EoE Disease Specific Programme collected in 2020 in the US. Included patients were ≥12 years old with biopsy-confirmed EoE (esophageal count of ≥15 eosinophils/high power field) who were currently receiving prescribed EoE treatment. <h3>Results</h3> Overall, 177 US patients with EoE completed surveys, and mean age at symptom onset was 33.1 years. The most common presenting symptoms were difficulty swallowing (61%) and heartburn/acid reflux (60%). During the previous 7 days, patients experienced a mean 0.4 day of chest pain, 0.6 day of stomach pain, 1.3 days of a burning feeling in their chest, 0.8 day of food/liquid coming back up into their throat, and 0.3 day of throwing up. Patients reported impacts of EoE symptoms on mental well-being and ADL; notably, 55% of patients reported that they were worried about choking (<b>Figure</b>). One-fifth of patients reported feeling moderately anxious or depressed. Patients reported a mean score of 86.5 when asked to rank their health on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (worst possible) to 100 (perfect health). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our results show that many patients with EoE reported effects on social, emotional, mental, and overall health. With limited FDA-approved medications in the US, new targeted treatment options are needed.