Food Elimination Diet Research Articles

Practice patterns for eosinophilic esophagitis vary widely among Canadian gastroenterologists: a nationwide survey

Abstract Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic, type 2, immune-mediated condition of the oesophagus, resulting in dysmotility and oesophageal stricturing. This study aims to identify practice variation among Canadian gastroenterologists treating adults with EoE. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to Canadian gastroenterologists through the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and administrations of Canadian universities. Results Seventy gastroenterologists completed the survey, with 59% working in academic practice or research. Overall, 90% of gastroenterologists require histological evidence of EoE to establish a diagnosis of EoE, while 50% require clinical symptoms of oesophageal dysfunction; 39% of gastroenterologists take less than 5 biopsies when assessing for EoE, with variability in biopsy location. Only 51% of respondents took biopsies in every case presenting with acute food bolus. Proton pump inhibitors were the initial therapy of 70% of gastroenterologists, with 11% using topical steroids. The preferred dietary approach was the 6-food elimination diet in 36%, followed by the 2-food elimination diet in 26%. Overall, 27% of participants did not use histologic improvement and 63% did not use endoscopic improvement to evaluate treatment response. Use of EoE Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS) is low, with 56% being either unaware of what EREFS is or never using it. Most respondents feel Canadian guidelines would be helpful in their practice. Conclusions Eosinophilic esophagitis practice patterns among Canadian gastroenterologists are variable and differ from consensus guidelines. The development of Canadian guidelines and continuing medical education content can be considered to improve the management of EoE in Canada.

Lobular panniculitis of the lower legs in a patient with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease: A case report of scurvy.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is a chronic condition that is commonly treated with restrictive food elimination diets, and may be complicated by food aversion. Here, we present a patient with recalcitrant EGID with lobular panniculitis of the lower legs secondary to scurvy. Cutaneous eruptions are the first manifestations of scurvy, and thus a high suspicion for panniculitis in the context of food restriction is critical to prevent further complications and mortality.

One-food versus 4-food elimination diet for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: A multisite randomized trial

BackgroundA 6-food elimination diet in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is difficult to implement and may negatively impact quality of life (QoL). Less restrictive elimination diets may balance QoL and efficacy. ObjectiveWe performed a multi-site, randomized comparative efficacy trial of a 1-food (milk) elimination diet (1FED) versus 4-food (milk, egg, wheat, soy) elimination diet (4FED) in pediatric EoE. MethodsPatients aged 6 to 17 years with histologically active and symptomatic EoE were randomized 1:1 to 1FED or 4FED for 12 weeks. Primary endpoint was symptom improvement by Pediatric EoE Symptom Score (PEESSv2.0). Secondary endpoints were proportion achieving histologic remission (<15 eosinophils/high-power field [eos/hpf]); change in histologic features (histology scoring system [HSS]), endoscopic severity (endoscopic reference score [EREFS]), transcriptome (EoE diagnostic panel [EDP]), and QoL scores; and predictors of remission. Results63 patients were randomly assigned to 1FED (n=38) and 4FED (n=25). In 4FED versus 1FED, mean PEESSv2.0 improved -25.0 versus -14.5 (p=0.04) but remission rates (41% versus 44%; p=1.00), HSS (-0.25 versus -0.29; p=0.77), EREFS (-1.10 versus -0.58; p=0.47) and QoL scores were similar between groups. The EoE transcriptome normalized in histologic responders to both diets. Baseline peak eosinophil count predicted remission (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0.953–0.999, p=0.04; cut-off ≤42 eos/hpf). The 4FED withdrawal rate (32%) exceeded 1FED (11%) (p=0.0496). ConclusionsAlthough 4FED moderately improved symptoms compared to 1FED, the histologic, endoscopic, QoL, and transcriptomic outcomes were similar in both groups. 1FED is a reasonable first choice therapy for pediatric EoE given its effects, tolerability, and relative simplicity.

578. DUPILUMAB EFFICACY IN EOSINOPHILIC OESOPHAGITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH PRIOR THERAPY AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE, INTOLERANCE, OR CONTRAINDICATION TO SWALLOWED TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS

Abstract Background Improvements in histologic, symptomatic, and endoscopic aspects of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) were observed in patients treated with dupilumab weekly (qw) enrolled in the 3-part, phase 3 LIBERTY EoE TREET study (NCT03633617), regardless of prior inadequate response, intolerance, and/or contraindication to swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC). Here we assess the efficacy of dupilumab qw versus placebo in this STC non-responsive/intolerant subgroup, stratifying further by those with/without history of food elimination diets, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use at randomisation, or history of oesophageal dilation. Methods This analysis includes patients who received dupilumab 300 mg qw or placebo for 24 weeks in Part B and an additional 28 weeks dupilumab in Part C. Co-primary endpoints (Weeks 24 and 52) include: proportions of patients achieving peak eosinophil count (PEC) ≤6 eosinophils/high-power field (eos/hpf) and absolute change in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) score. Secondary endpoints assessed included proportions of patients achieving PEC ≤1 eos/hpf, &amp;lt;15 eos/hpf, % change in PEC, and absolute change in Endoscopic Reference Score, and EoE-Histologic Scoring System grade/stage scores. Results Dupilumab 300 mg qw improved proportions of patients achieving co-primary endpoints, ≤6 eos/hpf and absolute change in DSQ score, and secondary endpoints, ≤1 eos/hpf and &amp;lt;15 eos/hpf at Week 24 versus placebo, regardless of history of food elimination diets, PPI use at randomisation, or history of dilation (Table). Improvements were maintained or continued to improve at Week 52. A similar trend was observed for other secondary endpoints assessed. Placebo-treated patients who switched to dupilumab in Part C demonstrated similar efficacy to patients treated with dupilumab in Part B. Dupilumab safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile. Conclusion Dupilumab qw demonstrated sustained improvements in histologic and symptomatic aspects of EoE up to 52 weeks in adults and adolescents with an inadequate response, intolerance, and/or contraindication to STC, regardless of history of food elimination diets, PPI use, or history of oesophageal dilation. Improvements in endoscopic aspects of EoE up to 52 weeks were also observed.

Impact of Atopic Status on Clinical Presentation and Treatment Response in Pediatric Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

BackgroundNearly 80% of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis have co-existing atopic disease, yet a subset do not. It is unclear if this lack of atopy impacts presentation or response to therapy. ObjectivesTo characterize the presentation and response to therapy in atopic versus non-atopic pediatric patients with EoE MethodsA case-control study of EoE patients, ages 6 months to 18 years (between 2018-2021) was performed. Patients were eligible if they had allergy testing, assessment of atopic history, and at least one endoscopy following initiation of treatment. Patients were considered non-atopic if they had negative allergy testing and no history of significant atopy. Response to therapy was classified as complete (peak eos < 15/hpf), partial (≥ 15 eos/hpf but at least a 50% reduction in peak eos), or non-response. Results168 participants were enrolled. The majority were white (n=141, 84%), male (n=124, 74%), and non-Hispanic (n=158, 95%). Mean age at diagnosis was 9.4 years (SD: ± 4.8). 123 participants (73.2%) were atopic and 45 (26.8%) were non-atopic. There was no significant difference between atopic and non-atopic for most demographics or presenting symptoms. Non-atopic participants presented younger than atopic participants (8.14 vs. 9.8 years, p=0.046). Swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) and food elimination diets (FED) were utilized at a similar rate. There were no differences in treatment response between atopic/non-atopic participants in regards to STC, FED, or STC+FED. ConclusionAtopic status does not significantly impact presentation or response to treatment in pediatric EoE, but a lack of atopy may be a risk for earlier onset of disease.

The multifactorial approach and the food allergen-specific substitutive diet as a tool to manage and ameliorate adverse reactions to foodstuffs in adulthood: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial—the ALASKA study

BackgroundAdverse reactions to foodstuffs (ARFS), specifically food allergy (FA) and food intolerance (FI), are increasing worldwide and represent a major public health concern. Thus, ARFS management, its identification, evaluation, and intervention, must provide a comprehensive solution.Objectives(a) To develop a multifactorial strategy for ARFS management in adults with FA and/or FI; (b) to describe the multiple influential variables in ARFS within the realm of ARFS management; and (c) to design a personalized food allergen-specific substitutive diet (FASSD), as a 6-month dietary treatment option for adults with ARFS and as a component of ARFS management.MethodsThe ALASKA study will consider the following main variables as part of the ARFS management: (1) demographics and clinical information; (2) symptomatology, food and beverages intake and physical activity; (3) hematobiochemical study; (4) immunology; (5) enzymatic activity; (6) anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness; (7) QoL; (8) 6-month intervention; (9) end of the study; and (10) other assessments. The FASSD will be designed with special emphasis on the commonly lacking micronutrients in the ARFS population: niacin, Mg, K, P, Ca, Zn, B12, folate, Fe, and fiber.DiscussionThe ALASKA study protocol has been developed as a global strategy to manage and evaluate ARFS in Spanish adults older than 18 years of age. Approaching ARFS with multiple assessments, as influencing factors, will lead to a novel strategy for ARFS management. The FASSD has been designed as a personalized tool to avoid crucial micronutrient deficiencies that a current strict food allergen avoidance or elimination diet may provoke.Trial registrationThe protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the UPM (REF.20200602) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05802017).

Efficacy of Dietary Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children and Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several dietary approaches have been used to induce remission in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), yielding varied results. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to May 2024 to identify studies including dietary interventions for EoE used as monotherapy. Summary estimates with 95% CIs for achieving <15 eosinophils/HPF were calculated for each approach. Fixed or random effects models were used depending on heterogeneity (I2); publication bias risks were assessed using funnel plot analyses. Subgroup analyses results were compared using meta-regression. Forty-three studies with 2825 patients were included in quantitative summaries. The overall rate of histologic remission was 60.6% (95% CI, 54.6-66.5%). Effectiveness rates were 94.5% (95% CI, 92.3-96.4%) for elemental diets, 63.9% (95% CI, 58.5-69.2%) for six-food elimination diets, 54.7% (95% CI, 45.7-63.6%) for four-food elimination diets, 44.3% (95% CI, 36.1-52.8%) for two-food elimination diets, 46.4% (95% CI, 40-52.9%) for one-food elimination diets, and 39.5% (95% CI, 30.3-49.2%) for allergy testing-directed food elimination diets. Overall, superior efficacy was noted in children than in adults and in retrospective compared to prospective studies. Diet therapy remains an effective therapeutic asset for pediatric and adult patients with EoE, with increasing efficacy noted as the levels of dietary restriction increase.

Optimal Assessment, Treatment, and Monitoring of Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Strategies to Improve Outcomes.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic type 2 inflammation-mediated disease characterized by an eosinophil-predominant inflammation of the esophagus and symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Relevant treatment outcomes in the setting of EoE include the improvement of histology, symptoms, and endoscopy findings, quality of life (QoL), and the psychological burden of the disease. Established validated tools for the assessment of EoE include questionnaires on dysphagia and QoL (ie, DSQ, EEsAI, and EoE-IQ). More recently, esophageal symptom-specific anxiety and hypervigilance, assessed using the esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS), have emerged as contributors to disease burden, confirming the importance of psychological aspects in EoE patients. The EoE endoscopic reference score (EREFS) is the only validated endoscopy score in EoE and can quantify mucosal disease burden. However, esophageal panometry using the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) have shown potential to optimize the assessment of fibrostenotic features of EoE, providing novel insights into the pathophysiology of symptoms. There is a growing number of licenced and off-label therapeutic options in EoE, with various randomized controlled trials demonstrating the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids, food elimination diets, biological drugs, and esophageal dilatation. However, standardized optimal management strategies of EoE are currently lacking. In this review, we provide an overview of established and novel assessment tools in EoE including patient reported outcomes, FLIP panometry, HRM, endoscopy, and histology outcome measures to improve the outcomes of EoE patients. In addition, we summarize available therapeutic options for EoE based on the most recent evidence.

A218 TRADING ONE PROBLEM FOR ANOTHER? THE EMERGENCE OF LYMPHOCYTIC ESOPHAGITIS IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS AFTER TREATMENT WITH DUPILUMAB

Abstract Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a Th2 driven chronic, inflammatory disorder defined by esophageal dysfunction and a peak eosinophil count (PEC) ≧ 15 eosinophils/high-power field on biopsy. Dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signaling was recently approved for use in Canada in children with EoE. There is limited data on the histologic abnormalities found with reintroduction of dietary triggers on dupilumab. Aims To describe emergence of lymphocytic esophagitis without eosinophilia observed during food reintroduction in a pediatric patient with EoE on dupilumab. Methods Case report and literature review. Results We present a 14-year-old boy with extensive food allergies, eczema, asthma and treatment refractory EoE. After failing to improve with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), food elimination diet and topical steroids, he was started on an elemental formula with concomitant PPI. This resulted in symptomatic and histologic remission, however food restriction led to poor quality of life. The patient was started on dupilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks and had a dramatic improvement in his disease course. Over 2 years on treatment, several allergic foods were reintroduced with normal histologic biopsies. However, two dietary challenges led to the emergence of lymphocytic esophagitis with basal zone hyperplasia (BZH) and dilated intercellular spaces (DIS), but no eosinophilia. Subsequent removal of the dietary antigen and endoscopic reassessment led to normal biopsies, without lymphocytic or eosinophilic infiltration. Lymphocytic esophagitis is rare in children and the etiology is unknown; it is characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes without eosinophils or neutrophils, and associated spongiosis. The emergence of lymphocytic esophagitis was unexpected and subsequent normalization of histology with removal of an antigen suggests that the lymphocytic pattern observed was driven by the allergic food. This may indicate that IL-4/IL-13 antagonism by dupilumab affects other immune signaling pathways, resulting in a lymphocytic-predominant inflammatory response upon exposure to allergic food antigens. Conclusions Dupilumab is a promising new medication in the management of pediatric EoE, particularly in the extremely atopic patient. In our case, the use of dupilumab led to improved antigen tolerance and quality of life. However, the emergence of lymphocytic esophagitis was unexpected, and the natural history and prognosis of this condition is not well defined. This is the first case to describe the emergence of lymphocytic esophagitis in a patient treated for eosinophilic esophagitis with dupilumab, and its subsequent resolution with dietary exclusion. Funding Agencies None

A205 PRACTICE PATTERNS FOR EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS IN ADULTS VARY WIDELY AMONG CANADIAN GASTROENTEROLOGISTS: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Abstract Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic, type 2 immune-mediated, condition of the esophagus with increasing prevalence in Canada. Practice patterns among Canadian gastroenterologists are not well described. Aims To identify practice variation among Canadian gastroenterologists who care for adults with EoE. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to Canadian gastroenterologists through the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology as well as administrations at Canadian universities. Results Of 53 respondents, 68% currently work in an academic setting. 77% manage at least 6 patients with EoE per year, with 19% managing over 50 patients per year. 51% of respondents obtain biopsies in every new patient presenting with an acute food bolus, while 26% take biopsies in less than 50% of cases or never at all. 36% take less than 5 biopsies on initial endoscopy with 23% only taking biopsies from one location in the esophagus. 58% are either unaware of the EoE Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS) or never use it in clinical practice. Most respondents (72%) prefer proton pump inhibitors as initial therapy while 17% prefer starting multiple treatment modalities. 9% use topical steroids initially. Only 6% keep their patients on topical steroids indefinitely, if started. Preferred dietary approach vary with 36% choosing 6-food elimination diet (FED), 23% 2-FED, 19% 4-FED, 13% milk-only elimination diet, 6% allergy test-directed diet, and 4% elemental diet. Only 17% feel very comfortable starting biologic therapies. When evaluating treatment effectiveness, 23% use improving patient symptoms alone, while 74% include repeat histological assessments. 42% do not regularly screen for adaptive behaviours, such as excessive chewing, or texture modification and avoidance. In those who perform repeat endoscopic evaluation, 13% do so in less than 3 months after starting therapy, 32% in 3-5.9 months, 28% in 6-11.9 months, and 8% after a year. 11% will only repeat endoscopic evaluation if a patient reports symptom recurrence. 64% do not regularly refer to an allergist. For guidance, 59% follow the American Gastroenterology Association 2020 guidelines, 34% American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2022 guidelines, 4% British Society of Gastroenterology 2022 guidelines, while 21% do not use any guidelines. 83% feel Canadian guidelines would be useful in their practice. Conclusions EoE practice patterns among Canadian adult gastroenterologists vary widely, with management differing from the current consensus guidelines. Strategies aimed at decreasing these variations, such as the development of Canadian guidelines, are needed to standardize practice. Funding Agencies None

An update on Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa and symptoms resulting from esophageal dysfunction. The most important symptom is dysphagia, which causes an impaired quality of life and significant healthcare costs. Food allergies have a key role in the development of EoE: the removal of specific foods from the diet is sufficient to reduce esophageal inflammation and improve symptoms. The diagnosis of EoE is based on a combination of symptoms, eosinophilic infiltration and the absence of other conditions which can explain esophageal eosinophilia (mainly gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Diagnostic delay should be avoided because if left untreated, a fibrostenotic phenotype can develop with strictures. Current therapeutic approaches are based on the “3 D’s” concept: Dietary management, Drug therapy and esophageal Dilation. Dietary management can be based on an elemental diet (amino acid-based), which is rarely used in adults because of the poor palatability; an empiric elimination diet (2- 4-6 food elimination diet). Medical treatment is still the most commonly used approach in EoE. In particular, swallowed topic corticosteroids such as topical budesonide or fluticasone have been shown to be very effective in reducing esophageal inflammation. More recently, biological treatments have been evaluated as novel treatment options for EoE, targeting different cytokines or receptors in the Th2 immune reaction. Finally, in case of esophageal stricture, dilation is warranted.

The link between food allergy and atopic dermatitis

Food allergy (FA) is an abnormal or exaggerated specific immune response that occurs repeatedly when exposed to certain foods. The relationship between food allergies and AD is still much debated today. Some evidence supports that AD can play a role as a predisposing factor for food allergies and conversely, food allergens are also suspected as one of the triggers of AD exacerbations. Role of diet in the cause and treatment of AD is controversial and is not well-defined. Food elimination diets in food allergic cases may have a beneficial effect on AD morbidity, however prolonged diets can lead to loss of tolerance and potentially increase the risk of IgE-mediated food allergy. Emollient treatment, hidrolized formulas, vitamin D, early introduction of food allergens appears to be a promising strategy for minimizing the public health burden of food allergy in AD, though further studies of this approach is needed.

A Practical Update on Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging atopic disease of unknown etiology limited to the esophagus. The pathogenesis is still understood and is likely characterized by type 2 inflammation. Food allergens are the primary triggers of EoE that stimulate inflammatory cells through an impaired esophageal barrier. In children and adolescents, clinical presentation varies with age and mainly includes food refusal, recurrent vomiting, failure to thrive, abdominal/epigastric pain, dysphagia, and food impaction. Upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring EoE. EoE therapy aims to achieve clinical, endoscopic, and histological ("deep") remission; prevent esophageal fibrosis; and improve quality of life. In pediatrics, the cornerstones of therapy are proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids (swallowed fluticasone and viscous budesonide), and food elimination diets. In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding EoE pathogenesis, characterizing the clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and identifying new therapeutic approaches. Notably, clinical, molecular, endoscopic, and histological features reflect and influence the evolution of inflammation over time and the response to currently available treatments. Therefore, different EoE phenotypes and endotypes have recently been recognized. Dupilumab recently was approved by FDA and EMA as the first biological therapy for adolescents (≥12 years) and adults with active EoE, but other biologics are still under consideration. Due to its chronic course, EoE management requires long-term therapy, a multidisciplinary approach, and regular follow-ups.

Diet of the 21st-century person — food intolerances and elimination diets

In a dynamically changing world and environment, the human diet is subject to numerous changes, as well as the quality of selected products. More and more often, patients who report gastrointestinal complaints after eating certain foods come to doctors. This situation often ends with the introduction of an elimination diet, which conducted without the supervision of a specialist, can have various negative effects. The work aims to present the latest results of research on the diet of modern man, published in international journals, available in the PubMed database and the Google Schoolar. The review discusses the most common food intolerances, their mechanisms and treatment options with particular emphasis on therapy with elimination diets and their potential health consequences. The discussed health problems are related to environmental changes and at the same time, significantly reduce the quality of life of people struggling with them.

Medical treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Medical treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Six-Food Elimination Diet Is Less Effective During Pollen Season in Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Sensitized to Pollens.

The role of inhaled and swallowed aeroallergens in treatment outcomes of adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is unclear. We hypothesized that the pollen season contributes to the failure of the 6-food elimination diet (SFED) in EoE. We compared outcomes of patients with EoE who underwent SFED during vs outside of the pollen season. Consecutive adult patients with EoE who underwent SFED and skin prick test (SPT) for birch and grass pollen were included. Individual pollen sensitization and pollen count data were analyzed to define whether each patient had been assessed during or outside of the pollen season after SFED. All patients had active EoE (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field) before SFED and adhered to the diet under the supervision of a dietitian. Fifty-eight patients were included, 62.0% had positive SPT for birch and/or grass, whereas 37.9% had negative SPT. Overall, SFED response was 56.9% (95% confidence interval, 44.1%-68.8%). When stratifying response according to whether the assessment had been performed during or outside of the pollen season, patients sensitized to pollens showed significantly lower response to SFED during compared with outside of the pollen season (21.4% vs 77.3%; P = 0.003). In addition, during the pollen season, patients with pollen sensitization had significantly lower response to SFED compared with those without sensitization (21.4% vs 77.8%; P = 0.01). Pollens may have a role in sustaining esophageal eosinophilia in sensitized adults with EoE despite avoidance of trigger foods. The SPT for pollens may identify patients less likely to respond to the diet during the pollen season.

Food elimination diet is a viable alternative therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis responsive to proton pump inhibitors

BackgroundFirst-line treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) includes monotherapy with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), food elimination diet (FED), or topical corticosteroids. Current guidelines suggest patients with EoE should continue any responsive first-line monotherapies. However, the efficacy of FED monotherapy in patients with EoE responsive to PPI monotherapy has not been well studied. Our study aimed to investigate how attempting FED monotherapy after experiencing remission of EoE after PPI monotherapy influenced long-term EoE management.MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with EoE responsive to PPI monotherapy who trialed FED monotherapy. We then employed a mixed method approach to a prospective cohort. Selected patients were observed long term for quantitative outcomes, while qualitative results were obtained from patient surveys regarding their perspectives on the trial of FED monotherapy.ResultsWe identified 22 patients who trialed FED monotherapy after experiencing remission of EoE following PPI monotherapy. Of these 22 patients, 13 had remission of EoE with FED monotherapy, while 9 had re-activation of EoE. Out of 22 patients, 15 were enrolled in a cohort for observation. No exacerbations of EoE occurred while on maintenance treatment. Most patients stated that they would recommend this process to others with EoE (93.33%) and that trial of FED monotherapy helped them identify a treatment plan that aligned with their lifestyle (80%).ConclusionOur work shows that FED monotherapy can be an effective alternative for patients with EoE responsive to PPI monotherapy that may improve patient quality of life, suggesting alternative treatment options should be considered for monotherapy-responsive EoE.

Bringing dietary therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis under scientific scrutiny

In The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kara L Kliewer and colleagues report results from the first major multicentre, randomised trial of dietary therapy in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis. 1 Kliewer KL Gonsalves N Dellon ES et al. One-food versus six-food elimination diet therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis: a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial. Lancet Gastroentrol Hepatol. 2023; (published online Feb 27.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00012-2 Google Scholar The detailed study of patient outcomes, along with the assessment of transcriptomic and other markers, give valuable insights into the benefits and limitations of dietary therapy. Their objective evidence shows that the value of dietary therapy, in particular the six-food elimination diet (6FED), might have been overestimated in previous studies. 2 Gonsalves N Yang GY Doerfler B Ritz S Ditto AM Hirano I Elimination diet effectively treats eosinophilic esophagitis in adults; food reintroduction identifies causative factors. Gastroenterology. 2012; 142: 1451-1459 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (480) Google Scholar , 3 Lucendo AJ Arias A Gonzalez-Cervera J et al. Empiric 6-food elimination diet induced and maintained prolonged remission in patients with adult eosinophilic esophagitis: a prospective study on the food cause of the disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013; 131: 797-804 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (305) Google Scholar , 4 Infante J Modolell I Alcedo J et al. Step-up empiric elimination diet for pediatric and adult eosinophilic esophagitis: the 2-4-6 study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018; 141: 1365-1372 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (140) Google Scholar In their study, histological remission to less than 15 eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf) occurred in only 23 (34%) of 67 patients on the one-food elimination diet (1FED; eliminating animal milk) and 25 (40%) of 62 patients on the 6FED at 6 weeks. Kliewer and colleagues also show that the margin between 1FED and 6FED is not significant in terms of both histological remission and symptom improvement. Given the complexity of life when trying to avoid six foods and the great difficulty in sustaining such an effort for more than a year, this evidence on the value of keeping dietary therapy simple is important. As well as being easier to comply with, a single-food elimination diet (or perhaps a two-food elimination diet avoiding milk and wheat 2 Gonsalves N Yang GY Doerfler B Ritz S Ditto AM Hirano I Elimination diet effectively treats eosinophilic esophagitis in adults; food reintroduction identifies causative factors. Gastroenterology. 2012; 142: 1451-1459 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (480) Google Scholar ) requires fewer repeat endoscopies than the seven endoscopies needed to determine which foods are relevant in the multifood approach. One-food versus six-food elimination diet therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis: a multicentre, randomised, open-label trialHistological remission rates and improvements in histological and endoscopic features were similar after 1FED and 6FED in adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis. 6FED had efficacy in just less than half of 1FED non-responders and steroids had efficacy in most 6FED non-responders. Our findings indicate that eliminating animal milk alone is an acceptable initial dietary therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis. Full-Text PDF

EE55 Comparative Cost-Utility Analysis of Budesonide and the Six Food Elimination Diet (SFED) for the Prophylaxis of Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) in the Austrian Setting

Budesonide orodispersible tablets (BOT) are the only approved pharmaceutical for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and the only reimbursed in-label option in Austria. This research aims to explore the cost-effectiveness of BOT versus a widely used dietary intervention, the six food elimination diet (SFED) since there are no other approved pharmaceuticals for EoE.

Tolerability and safety of a new elimination diet for pediatric eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis

BackgroundNon-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (non-EoE EGIDs) are chronic inflammatory disorders with massive infiltration of eosinophils into the gastrointestinal tract. Food elimination diets are potentially effective treatments. But the existing dietary therapies have various weak points. We developed a new regimen to compensate for the shortcomings of the elemental diet and 6-food elimination diet. The new regimen consists of an amino-acid-based formula, potatoes, vegetables, fruits and restricted seasonings. We named it the “Rainbow Elimination Diet (ED).” The aims of this study were to evaluate the tolerability and safety of this diet. MethodsA retrospective medical record examination was conducted at the National Center for Child Health and Development covering the period from January 2010 through December 2018. The medical records of patients (age 2–17 y) with histologically diagnosed non-EoE EGIDs were reviewed. The tolerability, nutritional intake, symptoms, and blood test findings were evaluated. ResultsNineteen patients were offered several kinds of food-elimination diets. Seven patients (eosinophilic gastritis: 5; gastroenteritis: 1; duodenitis: 1) were treated with Rainbow ED. Six patients were compliant with this diet. The median duration of the diet induction phase was 15 days (range 14–30). All 5 patients who had had symptoms just before the induction phase became symptom-free. The body weight decreased in 5 patients (median −0.6 kg), probably because the serum protein increased, resulting in reduced edema. All 5 patients with hypoproteinemia had elevated serum albumin (median 2.9–3.5 g/dL). The ingested nutritional elements were calculated, and most of them were sufficient, except for fat and selenium. ConclusionsThe Rainbow ED was well-tolerated and safe for pediatric non-EoE EGIDs.