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Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Rahim Daneshjoo1, Nicholas J Talley
1University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Level 5 South Block, PO Box 63, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia.
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|September 14, 2002
Summary
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis involves eosinophil buildup in the GI tract, causing tissue damage. Treatment includes steroids and dietary changes, with new drugs showing promise for this rare disorder.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is a rare gastrointestinal disorder characterized by eosinophil infiltration.
- Eosinophils release cytotoxic proteins, leading to tissue damage.
- The pathogenesis involves chemoattractants like eotaxin, cytokines (IL-3, IL-5), and GM-CSF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
- To highlight the role of food allergy and dietary interventions.
- To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes and novel therapies.
Main Results:
- EG presents with diverse symptoms depending on the affected site, often mimicking other GI conditions.
- Food allergy is a significant trigger, particularly in children, with amino acid-based diets showing efficacy.
- Steroid therapy is a primary treatment, though relapses are common. Budesonide and new agents like montelukast and suplaplast tosylate are discussed.
Conclusions:
- EG is a treatable condition requiring accurate diagnosis, often by pathologists.
- Dietary modifications, including elimination or amino acid-based diets, are beneficial.
- While steroids are effective, ongoing research explores novel targeted therapies for eosinophilic gastroenteritis.