Incidence Of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Research Articles

Real-world assessment of anaphylaxis and eosinophilic esophagitis with 12 SQ house dust mite SLIT-tablet sublingual immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with 12 SQ house dust mile SLIT-tablet (HDM SLIT-tablet) for dust mite-induced perennial allergic rhinitis is reported as effective and safe. Although serious allergic reactions (SARs) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have infrequently occurred under trial conditions, the safety of HDM SLIT-tablet challenge under real-world conditions is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the incidence of SARs and EoE due to HDM SLIT-tablet challenge. Through use of administrative data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California, this prospective observational study identified patients newly administered HDM SLIT-tablet with follow-up until SLIT discontinuation or end of study. Suspected cases of SARs and EoE were detected by using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, diagnosis and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes and medication dispensing records. A3-member clinical review committee of allergists adjudicated suspected reactions. The incidence rate of confirmed SARs and EoE per 1000 person years of exposure were determined. A total of 521 patients (93.9% adult and 6.1% pediatric) were exposed to HDM SLIT-tablet challenge from January 2018 through May 2023, for 440.4 person years of exposure. The patients' average age (SD) was 39.3 (14.1) years, 58.7% were female, 44.3% were non-Hispanic White, 40.3% had asthma, and 15.0% had gastroesophageal reflux disease. ASAR occurred in 1 adult patient, and during initial HDM SLIT-tablet challenge, SARs occurred in 2 pediatric adolescents, for an overall incidence of 6.8 SARs per 1000 patient years (95% CI= 2.2-21.1). EoE occurred in 1 adult patient, for an overall incidence of 2.3 cases of EoE per 1000 patient years (95% CI= 0.3-16.1). This real-world study demonstrated that SARs and EoE were infrequent events with HDM SLIT-tablet use, supporting the safety of HDM SLIT-tablets and need for physician supervision with initial challenge.

Major basic protein is a useful marker to distinguish eosinophilic esophagitis from IBD-associated eosinophilia in children.

The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is 3-5 times greater in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared with the general population. This study aimed to differentiate true EoE from esophageal eosinophilia in IBDpatients by evaluating expression of major basic protein (MBP) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in esophageal biopsies. This retrospective study included subjects who had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophageal biopsies for IBD work up or suspicion for EoE. Patients were classified into 5 groups: EoE with ≥15 eosinophils per high power field (eos/hpf), EoE-IBD with ≥15 eos/hpf, IBD eosinophilia with 1-14 eos/hpf, IBD and control groups. Biopsies were stained with MBP and IL-13 antibodies and the results (% staining/total tissue area), demographic, and clinical findings were compared among the groups. The median for MBP staining levels in EoE-IBD was 3.8 (interquartile range 1.3-23), significantly lower than in EoE at 52.8 (8.3-113.2), but higher than in IBD eosinophilia at 0.2 (0-0.9; p < 0.001) and negligible in the IBD and control groups. IL-13 expression in EoE was significantly higher only compared with IBD and controls not with EoE-IBD or IBD eosinophilia. MBP predicted EoE with 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity while IL-13 had 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity using cutoff point from the cohort without EoE-IBD patients. Based on MBP cutoff point that distinguished EoE from non EoE, 56% in EoE-IBD were MBP-positive whereas 100% in EoE group (p < 0.05). MBP may be an excellent marker in distinguishing true EoE from eosinophilia caused by IBD. Our data implied that MBP together with endoscopic and histologic changes can assist EoE diagnosis in IBD patients.

Regulatory T cells Are Increased and Correlate With Mast Cells in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been increasing recently. The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and correlations with other inflammatory cells in EoE remain unknown. We aim to clarify the role of Tregs and their correlations with inflammatory cells in EoE patients. Biopsies from controls and EoE patients before and after treatments were analyzed. Eosinophil infiltration was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine infiltration of T cells, Tregs, and mast cells. Gene expressions of chemokines were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Tregs and mast cells were increased in the esophageal epithelial layers of EoE patients. After treatments, Tregs and mast cells were decreased when histologic remission was achieved. Infiltration of Tregs correlated significantly with numbers of eosinophils and mast cells. Filaggrin mRNA was decreased in patients with EoE before treatment and upregulated after treatment, even when histologic remission was not achieved. Tregs were increased in esophageal epithelium of patients with EoE, and correlated with mast cell infiltration.

A Comprehensive Global Population-Based Analysis on the Coexistence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

We explored inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) coexistence using a global dataset. Investigating their epidemiology, risks, and impact, we aimed to enhance the understanding of concurrent diagnoses and patient outcomes. A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using deidentified patient data from the TriNetX database (2011-2022). We estimated the incidence and prevalence of EoE in patients with IBD, including both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and vice versa. Risks of select immune-mediated conditions and disease complications were compared among patients with EoE, IBD, or concurrent diagnoses. Our results included 174,755 patients with CD; 150,774 patients with UC; and 44,714 patients with EoE. The risk of EoE was significantly higher among patients with CD (prevalence ratio [PR] 11.2) or UC (PR 8.7) compared with individuals without IBD. The risk of IBD was higher in patients with EoE (CD: PR 11.6; UC: PR 9.1) versus those without EoE. A propensity-matched analysis of IBD patients revealed that, when comparing patients with and without EoE, the relative risk of immune-mediated comorbidities was significantly greater for celiac disease, IBD-related inflammatory conditions, eczema and asthma (CD: n = 1896; UC: n = 1231; p < 0.001). Patients with a concurrent diagnosis of EoE and IBD had a higher composite risk of IBD-related complications (CD: adjusted HR (aHR) 1.14, p < 0.005; UC: aHR 1.17, p < 0.01) and lower risk of food bolus impaction (aHR 0.445, p = 0.0011). Simultaneous EoE and IBD increased IBD-related complications risk, needing more treatment (glucocorticoids, biologic therapy, abdominal surgery), while reducing EoE-related issues like food bolus impaction.

Review article: Emerging insights into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of eosinophilic oesophagitis and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are chronic, immune-mediated disorders characterised clinically by gastrointestinal symptoms and histologically by a pathologic increase in eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, in the absence of secondary causes of eosinophilia. To highlight emerging insights and research efforts into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) and non-EoE EGIDs, and discuss key remaining knowledge gaps. We selected and reviewed original research, retrospective studies, case series, randomised controlled trials, and meta-analyses. Standardised nomenclature classifies EGIDs as EoE, eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic enteritis (EoN), and eosinophilic colitis (EoC). Incidence and prevalence of EoE are rising, emphasising the need to better understand how environmental risk factors and genetic features interact. Advances in understanding EoE pathophysiology have led to clinical trials of targeted therapy and the approval (in the United States) of dupilumab for EoE. Several therapies that are under investigation hope to satisfy both histologic and clinical targets. For non-EoE EGIDs, efforts are focused on better defining clinical and histopathologic disease determinants and natural history, as well as establishing new therapies. Unmet needs for research are dramatically different for EoE and non-EoE EGIDs. In EoE, non-invasive diagnostic tests, clinicopathologic models that determine the risk of disease progression and therapeutic failure, and novel biologic therapies are emerging. In contrast, in non-EoE EGIDs, epidemiologic trends, diagnostic histopathologic thresholds, and natural history models are still developing for these more rare disorders.

Incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis across Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies have reported large increases in the incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) in the last 20years. We aimed to systematically review the incidence and prevalence of EoE, focused on all European countries. Systematic review and meta-analysis up to 31 December 2022, based on PubMed, CINAHL and extensive hand searching of reference lists. Twenty-five eligible studies were identified and included. For both adults and children, the highest EoE incidence and prevalence have been reported from regional studies in Spain. EoE incidence for both adults and children was significantly lower (p<0.001) in nationwide studies (meta-analysis=3.64 per 100,000 person-years overall) compared with regional or centre-based studies (7.16). EoE incidence and prevalence were significantly higher (p<0.001) in adults than children. All studies that reported on longitudinal trends in EoE incidence showed increases over time, more markedly during more recent years. Larger increases in incidence tend to refer to regional rather than nationwide studies; from Spain, Switzerland and Denmark, both for paediatric and adult age groups. Increases in EoE incidence 100,000 person-years were larger than for incidence per number of diagnostic endoscopies. The most frequently reported co-morbidities in adults were rhinitis, followed by asthma, food allergy and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and in children, erosive oesophagitis, asthma, food allergy and rhinitis. The incidence of EoE has increased in Europe over the last 30years, exceeding increases in the volume of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopies performed. The patchy and low incidence and prevalence of EoE generally in Europe and compared with North America, may reflect a lack of clinical awareness and research focus rather than a genuinely low incidence of EoE. A co-ordinated Europe-wide study that uses standardised methodology is urgently needed to provide a comprehensive picture of EoE incidence and prevalence across Europe.

Global Incidence and Prevalence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis, 1976–2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Owing to 2018 expanded diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and thus a possible increase in diagnosis, previous studies on the global incidence and prevalence of EoE may need to be updated. We aimed to describe global, regional, and national trends in the incidence and prevalence of EoE from 1976 to 2022 and analyze their associations with geographic, demographic, and social factors through a systematic review. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from their inception dates to December 20, 2022, for studies that reported the incidence or prevalence of EoE in the general population. We calculated the global incidence and prevalence of EoE using pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and performed subgroup analysis based on age, sex, race, geographical area, World Bank income group, and diagnostic criteria of EoE. Forty studies met the eligibility criteria, including over 288 million participants and 147,668 patients with EoE from 15 countries across the five continents. The global pooled incidence and prevalence of EoE were 5.31 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 3.98-6.63; number of studies, 27; sample population, 42,191,506) and 40.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 31.10-48.98; number of studies, 20; sample population, 30,467,177), respectively. The pooled incidence of EoE was higher in high-income countries (vs low- or middle-income countries), males, and North America (vs Europe and Asia). The global prevalence of EoE followed a similar pattern. The pooled prevalence of EoE gradually increased from 1976 to 2022 (1976-2001; 8.18; 95% CI, 3.67-12.69 vs 2017-2022; 74.42; 95% CI, 39.66-109.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years). The incidence and prevalence of EoE have increased substantially and vary widely across the world. Further research is needed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of EoE in Asia, South America, and Africa.

Prevalence of esophageal eosinophilia in patients referred for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background and Aim: Esophageal eosinophilia such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are associated with several conditions. Esophagus eosinophilic infiltration characterized the Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The purpose of the present study was to determine the esophageal eosinophilia prevalence in patients underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 male adult patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for unexplained upper GI symptoms in the department of Hepatology &amp; Gastroenterology and Faculty of Medicine, DHQ Hospital Haripur KPK and Type-D Hospital Jamrud District Khyber from June 2022 to November 2022. Patient age&gt;16 years with upper GI symptoms such as nausea, upper abdominal pain, dysphagia, vomiting, and heart burn referred for upper GI endoscopy were enrolled. Individual’s history, demographic details, physical examination, clinical details, laboratory tests such as serum creatinine, CBC, upper GI endoscopy, differential leucocytic count, liver biochemical tests, biopsy, and biopsy staining for histopathological examination were recorded. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 27. Results: Of the total 96 patients, incidence of Esophageal eosinophilia (EE), EoE, and low-grade esophageal eosinophilia was 33.3% (n=32), 5.2% (n=5), and 29.2% (n=28) respectively.

Impact of environmental factors on the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis in southwestern Europe (2007-2020).

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and at least 15 eosinophils/hpf in the esophagus. Other systemic and local causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded. The study objectives were to examine the annual epidemiology of EoE for 14 consecutive years, investigate whether there is a relationship between the count of aeroallergens and the incidence of EoE for 12 years, evaluate whether there are family ties between the patients with EoE, and determine whether there are cases of EoE that are triggered or exacerbated by pollens. We conducted a prospective, descriptive, and analytic study in patients with EoE for 14 years (2007-2020). The study variables were age, sex, relatives with EoE, time of evolution of the symptoms until diagnosis of the disease, and symptoms. We examined incidence and prevalence, annual counts of aeroallergens for 12 years, and number of diagnoses per year (in 2007-2020). We studied patients with active EoE (in April-July) and EoE in remission (in August-March) for 2 consecutive years. Exacerbations were investigated by measuring symptoms using a visual analog scale of 1 to 10. Of the 366 patients with EoE (studied from 2007 to 2020), 83.5% were atopic, with respiratory allergy and 28% had a food allergy. Their mean age was 35 years. The time of evolution of the symptoms was more than 6 years. Only 11% of the patients had a degree of kinship. Of the 366 patients, 87% had dysphagia, 27% had had impactions, and 12.5% had other symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. We found a positive correlation between the incidence of EoE and Platanaceae pollens. We did not detect any case of EoE triggered or exacerbated by pollens. The epidemiology of EoE in southwestern Europe continues to grow. We have corroborated the relevant impact of the environment on genetics. Future studies will clarify the possible relevance of Platanaceae pollens in the increased epidemiology of EoE. The role of grass and Oleaceae pollens in triggering EoE is limited by having a short pollination in time.

Understanding the Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Disparities in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been rapidly increasing. EoE affects both children and adults and can present with a variety of symptoms depending on age. Multiple studies have found that EoE is more common in Caucasian men compared with other genders or racial or ethnic groups; however, the basis for that predominance is still unknown. The varied clinical illness presentation and persistence in various ethnic groups begs the question of whether genetic or environmental factors might be contributors behind EoE. This paper will review the literature regarding epidemiology, risk factors, and genetic and ethnic differences in EoE.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a complex multifactorial disorder and one of the leading causes of dysphagia in children and adults. An allergen-mediated inflammatory response is the underlying cause of this disease. Allergen-activated Th2 cells, eosinophils and interleukins 4, 5 and 13 play a major role in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Difficulties swallowing, especially dry food, and the related increase in chewing time, as well as episodes of oesophageal food impaction, often requiring endoscopic treatment, are the leading symptoms. Children develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irritability and reluctance to consume foods. The incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis has increased dramatically in recent years and is now estimated at approximately 42.2/100,000 per year in adults. Endoscopy followed by histopathological examination of at least six biopsy specimens taken from two different sections of the oesophagus is the gold diagnostic standard. The eosinophilic oesophagitis endoscopic reference score (EREFS) is used for endoscopy and the eosinophilic oesophagitis histologic scoring system (EoE HSS) is used for histopathology to objectify the assessment. Pharmacological and dietary therapies are of primary importance in eosinophilic oesophagitis. Proton pump inhibitors and glucocorticoids are most commonly used. Allergen-free diets significantly contribute to the achievement of permanent histological and clinical remission. In the case of permanent oesophageal remodelling, endoscopic and/or surgical treatment should be considered.

Does eosinophilic esophagitis exist in India?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has evolved over the last three decades with a better understanding of the natural course of the disease. The prevalence of EoE is higher in Western countries with increasing reports of the incidence of EoE in the east. There is less data on EoE in India. We have noticed an increase in the number of cases of EoE diagnosed in our center over the last few years. In this study, all patients with high clinical suspicion of EoE were included and prospectively evaluated with endoscopic features and esophageal biopsies. Seventeen of 73 patients were diagnosed with EoE based on clinical, endoscopic and histopathologic features. One patient was lost to follow-up and 16 of the 17 patients were initiated on standard-of-care treatment and followed up for a minimum of fourweeks. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors with six-food elimination diet is highly effective in most patients with afew patients requiring systemic steroids and endoscopic treatment. In conclusion, this study highlights that EoE exists in India with varied manifestations and a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for diagnosis. It also emphasizes the need for increasing awareness of the entity of EoE, among both patients and doctors. Further, large-scale, multi-centric population-based studies are necessary to estimate the prevalence in our country.

Increased incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis among the child population of Zaragoza. An emerging disease.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction and progression to fibrosis. Its incidence is increasing in our setting with deep regional variations. To corroborate this hypothesis, a longitudinal, retrospective, multicenter observational study was carried out of patients who received a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis from 2008 to 2022 at public hospitals in the province of Zaragoza. The annual incidence rates and mean incidence rate were calculated using the data for the reference population. A total of 104 patients were included. The mean incidence rate was 5.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants < 15 years old/year (0.75-11.2). In the first five-year period (2008-2012) the rate was 1.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year, compared with a rate of 6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year in the second 5-year period (2013-2017), [OR 5,68 (IC 95% 2,55 - 12,67, p < 0,05]; and 8.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year in the third five-year period (2018-2022), [OR 7,74 (IC 95% 3,52 - 16,99, p < 0,05] It is concluded that eosinophilic esophagitis incidence has increased among the child population of Zaragoza over the past 15 years, with a 7-fold higher risk of having the condition in the third five-year period compared with the first one.

Endoscopic Surveillance of Esophageal Atresia Population according to ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 Guidelines: Incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and New Histological Findings.

Follow-up of children born with esophageal atresia (EA) is mandatory due to high incidence of comorbidities. We evaluated endoscopic findings at follow-up of EA patients performed at our Centre according to ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 guidelines. A retrospective observational study was performed using data from January 2016 to January 2021. We included EA patients (age range: 1-18 years) who were offered a program of endoscopic and histological high gastrointestinal (GI) tract examinations as per ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN 2016 guidelines. Clinical, surgical, auxological, endoscopic, and histological data were reviewed; variables as polyhydramnios, EA type, surgical type, enteral feeding introduction age, growth data, and symptoms were correlated to endoscopic and histological findings. The population included 75 patients (47 males), with mean age of 5 ± 4 years. In 40/75 (53.3%) patients, we recorded oral feeding problems, and upper gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms suspicious of gastroesophageal reflux. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) incidence was 9/75 (12%), significantly higher than in general population (p &lt; 0.0001), and 10/75 (13.3%) presented non-specific duodenal mucosal lesions. EoE represents a frequent comorbidity of EA, as previously known. EA is also burdened by high, never-described incidence of non-specific duodenal mucosal lesions. Embedding high GI tract biopsies in EA endoscopic follow-up should be mandatory from pediatric age.

Nature with Nurture: the Role of Intrinsic Genetic and Extrinsic Environmental Factors on Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

As the rising prevalence and incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has quickly outpaced the rate of esophageal biopsies, particularly in Westernized countries, several studies have suggested a link between intrinsic genetic and extrinsic environmental risk factors and the development, presentation, and diagnosis of EoE. This review aims to critically assess existing studies describing the role of the environment on the development, symptomatic presentation, and diagnosis of this recently recognized chronic immune-mediated disease. We present and critically evaluate the working hypotheses and supportive studies thus far on environmental factors on EoE, describe sources of potential bias in diagnosis due to socioeconomic factors and thus undermining studies of EoE etiology, and highlight opportunities for future research. As genetics alone do not explain the rapid rise of EoE, we must look to environmental, or extrinsic, factors both in the early-life period which shape the development of the gut microbiome, as well as later life contributing to diagnosis of this new disease. Future etiologic studies linking risk factors to EoE development in individual patients are needed.

Environmental Pollutants Are Associated With Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Commercially Insured Cohort of California Residents

Background and AimsPrior studies have linked environmental pollutants with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Here, we quantify the relationships between 7 pollutants and the zip code–level incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in California. MethodsClaims in Optum’s Clinformatics Data Mart were linked with environmental exposures in California, derived from CalEnviroScreen 3.0. We identified adult patients with new diagnoses of each GI disease, and estimated claims-derived, zip code–level disease incidence rates. Two study periods were considered: 2009–2014 (International Classification of Diseases–Ninth Revision era) and 2016–2019 (International Classification of Diseases–Tenth Revision [ICD-10] era). Multivariable negative binomial regression models were used to test associations between 7 pollutants (ozone, particulate matter <2.5 μm [PM2.5], diesel emissions, drinking water contaminants, pesticides, toxic releases from industrial facilities, traffic density) and zip code–level incidence of the GI diseases along with a negative control outcome, adjusting for numerous potential confounders. ResultsZip code-level IBS incidence was associated with PM2.5 (P < .001 in both eras) and airborne toxic releases from facilities (P < .001 in both eras). An increase of 1 μg/m3 in PM2.5 or 1% in toxic releases translates to an increase in the IBS incidence rate of about 0.02 cases per 100 person-years. Traffic density and drinking water contaminant exposures were also associated with increasing IBS incidence, but these associations were not significant in both eras. Similarly, exposure to PM2.5, drinking water contaminants and airborne toxic releases from facilities were associated with functional dyspepsia incidence, though not in both eras. No significant associations were noted between pollutants and IBD or EoE incidence. ConclusionExposure to PM2.5 and airborne toxic releases from facilities are associated with higher IBS incidence among a cohort of commercially insured Californians. Environmental pollutant exposure was not associated with the incidence of IBDs and EoE in this cohort.

S2371 Ripped by Chips: A Case Report of Esophageal Perforation After Consumption of Chips

Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an uncommon condition defined as a chronic, immune-mediated, esophageal disease characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation.1 Patients typically present with esophageal dysphagia and food impaction. We present a unique and rare case presentation of a young male patient who presents with pneumomediastinum in the setting of undiagnosed EoE. Case Description/Methods: A 31-year-old male with no significant past medical history presents to the emergency department with lower neck pain. He reports sudden onset of pain after consuming a sandwich containing potato chips. This was followed by 2 immediate episodes of hematemesis. Vital signs were within normal limits. Physical exam was significant for bilateral crepitus on exam. CT Chest with contrast was significant for extensive pneumomediastinum around the esophagus suggestive of an esophageal perforation. CT neck was significant for extensive emphysema in the neck and pneumomediastinum with esophageal wall emphysema suggestive of esophageal rupture (Figure). An esophagram revealed no evidence of gross esophageal leak suggesting a contained micro perforation, so he was managed conservatively with IV pain medications, initial period of nil by mouth followed by slow escalation to a liquid diet. His diet was slowly escalated, and he was discharged home in stable condition. Two months later at an outpatient gastroenterology follow up, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy was significant for ringed esophagus, longitudinal furrows, white plaques and white specks throughout the entire esophagus. Biopsies were consistent with eosinophilic esophagitis with increase eosinophil count in the proximal esophagus. He was started on a daily proton pump inhibitor with ongoing follow up. Discussion: The incidence of EoE appears to be increasing, in part due to rising recognition of the disorder. It is important for physicians to identify its features early to prevent further complications. Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious complication of eosinophilic esophagitis, occurring in ∼2% of cases.2 Ongoing inflammation from longstanding untreated EoE has previously been reported to have led to esophageal perforation but rarely in such a dramatic fashion.3Figure 1.: 1. Significant emphysema in the neck and pneumomediastinum with thinning of the posterolateral aspect of esophagus concerning for esophageal rupture.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis in Denmark: Population‐based incidence and prevalence in a nationwide study from 2008 to 2018

BackgroundEosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune‐mediated or antigen‐mediated oesophageal disease characterised by symptoms related to oesophageal dysfunction and eosinophil‐predominant inflammation.ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of EoE in Denmark during the period 2008–2018.MethodsBased on data from nationwide registers we identified cases of EoE using two definitions: a broad definition based solely on oesophageal biopsies registered in the Danish Pathology Register and a narrow definition also including symptoms of oesophageal dysfunction registered in the Danish National Patient Registry. The annual incidence and prevalence were standardised by sex and age in 5‐year intervals to the 2013 study population.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2011, the standardised incidence of EoE was stable, but from 2011 to 2018 it increased from 3.9 (95% CI 3.3–4.4) to 11.7 (95% CI 10.8–12.6) per 100,000 person‐years. Similar temporal trends were observed when using the narrow EoE definition. The increase in incidence was most pronounced in men and in individuals above 40 years of age. In children, the EoE incidence was a fourth of the incidence in adults aged 40–64 years: 4.4 (95% CI 3.2–5.6) versus 17.6 (95% CI 15.7–19.5) per 100,000 person‐years. The EoE incidence varied substantially across the five regions in Denmark. Overall, the biopsy rate as well as the proportion of oesophageal biopsies with detected eosinophilia increased during the study period.ConclusionThis study of the entire population of Denmark during the period 2008 to 2018 shows that the incidence and prevalence of EoE is not yet plateauing and that EoE could be severely underdiagnosed, especially in children.

Occurrence and Clinical Impact of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Large Cohort of Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Scarce data have investigated the association between pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We, therefore, aimed to describe the epidemiology and the possible peculiar phenotype and natural history of such an association. Case-control study is based on the Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (SIGENP) national registry. All children with a combined diagnosis of IBD and EoE were included. The overall prevalence and incidence in 2 periods, 2009 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021, were calculated. Cases were matched with IBD only and EoE only patients in a 1:3:3 ratio. Phenotype and outcomes (courses of steroids, risk of complications, surgery, treatment escalation, and hospitalization) were compared between groups. Eleven patients (age 11.2 ± 2.8 years, Males 91%) with EoE-IBD out of 3090 patients with IBD were identified, resulting in an overall prevalence of 0.35% and an incidence of 0.18% for 2009 to 2015 and 0.45% for 2016 to 2021. Treatment escalation rates for IBD were significantly higher in patients with IBD compared with EoE-IBD at 12- and 24-month follow-up (0% vs 30%, P = .04; and 9% vs 45.5%, P = .03, respectively). Furthermore, patients with IBD were at a significantly higher risk of hospitalization than both EoE-IBD and EoE patients (log rank P < .001). We found no significant differences in major outcomes related to the EoE course in EoE-IBD patients compared with EoE ones. The incidence and prevalence of EoE in children with IBD are low, although the incidence seems to be rising in recent years. Having EoE appears to be associated with a milder IBD disease course, whereas having IBD does not seem to affect the natural history of EoE. More data are needed to better define the phenotype of such association.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Esophageal Atresia: Is It Really a New Disease?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated esophageal disease. Symptoms are related to mucosal eosinophilic-predominant inflammation that leads to esophageal dysfunction. Recent data suggest that esophageal atresia (EA) patients may have an increased incidence of EoE compared to the general population. As EoE symptoms may be confused with EA-related symptoms, they may significantly worsen morbidity in this specific group of patients. We investigated specific characteristics of patients with AE and EoE compared to those with EoE only. We conducted an observational retrospective monocentric study including all patients diagnosed with EoE from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. For each patient, demographic, clinical and histopathological data were collected and then compared between the two cohorts (EA-EoE vs. EoE only). During the study period, 62 patients were included: 17 children were in the follow-up because of EA (18.1% of 94 EA patients screened in that period), while the other 45 presented EoE only. The demographic and clinical features of EA-EoE patients demonstrate a lower prevalence of allergic subjects (23.5% vs. 80%, p < 0.05), a lower age of presentation (3.1 vs. 12.2 years, p < 0.05), non-specific symptoms and a higher resolution rate with PPI therapy (64.7% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.05) compared to EoE-only patients. Our data confirm that EA patients are at high risk for developing EoE. As symptoms may overlap with the EA spectrum, early recognition of EoE may prevent patients from receiving unnecessary invasive therapeutic interventions and from developing complications from untreated EoE.