Natural History of Eosinophilic Oesophagitis in Childhood

Abstract Purpose of Review Paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), first described in the 1990s, has emerged as a distinctive chronic inflammatory disease which is now recognised as a major cause of feeding problems in children. Despite the recognition of the clinical importance of EoE, the natural history of this disorder remains unclear, as does understanding of its immunopathogenesis, which makes it difficult to make long-term treatment recommendations. The purpose of this paper is to review available information on the natural history of EoE, including the underlying mechanisms and the consequences of ongoing inflammation. Recent Findings EoE appears to be increasing in incidence and prevalence in westernised societies in keeping with its close association with food allergy and atopic disorders. There are no reliable non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis or ongoing assessment of disease activity. Treatment is aimed at resolution of clinical symptoms and more controversially at resolution of eosinophilic inflammation. Without therapy, ongoing oesophageal inflammation results in fibrosis and stricture formation but the rate at which these complications occur is not yet known. Summary Without a good understanding of the natural history of EoE in childhood and ...
Source: Current Pediatrics Reports - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research