Author/Editor     Papadopoulou, Alexandra; Orel, Rok
Title     Management guidelines of eosinophilic esophagitis in childhood
Type     članek
Vol. and No.     Letnik 58, št. 1
Publication year     2012
Volume     str. 107-118
ISSN     0277-2116 - Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language     eng
Abstract     Objectives: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, immune/ antigen-mediated esophageal disease characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation. With few exceptions, 15 eosinophils per high-power field (peak value) in 1 biopsy specimens are considered a minimum threshold for a diagnosis of EoE. The disease is restricted to the esophagus, and other causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded, specifically proton pump inhibitor%responsive esophageal eosinophilia. This position paper aims at providing practical guidelines for the management of children and adolescents with EoE. Methods: Relevant literature from searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and recent guidelines was reviewed. In the absence of an evidence base, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Final consensus was obtained during 3 face-to-face meetings of the Gastroenterology Committee and 1 teleconference. Results: The cornerstone of treatment is an elimination diet (targeted or empiric elimination diet, amino acid%based formula) and/or swallowed, topical corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids are reserved for severe symptoms requiring rapid relief or where other treatments have failed. Esophageal dilatation is an option in children with EoE who have esophageal stenosis unresponsive to drug therapy. Maintenance treatment may be required in case of frequent relapse, although an optimal regimen still needs to be determined. Conclusions: EoE is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease with largely unquantified long-term consequences. Investigations and treatment are tailored to the individual and must not create more morbidity for the patient and family than the disease itself. Better maintenance treatment as well as biomarkers for assessing treatment response and predicting longterm complications is urgently needed
Keywords     amino acid based formula
empiric elimination diet
eosinophilic esophagitis
local steroids
systemic steroids
targeted elimination diet