Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis in children

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an increasingly recognized disease of the esophagus with distinct clinicopathologic features. Adult and pediatric patients experience upper intestinal symptoms including food impaction, vomiting, abdominal pain, or dysphagia. Histopathologic analysis of the distal and proximal esophageal mucosa demonstrates dense eosinophilic infiltration despite proton pump inhibition. Few studies document the long-term outcomes of EE but current evidence suggests that EE is a chronic condition that can sometimes lead to esophageal strictures. Although the incidence of this complication is not yet known, it has sparked significant interest in defining safe, effective treatments. Once a diagnosis of EE is made, patients should seek the consultation of the allergist in an effort to identify possible food sensitivities. This is particularly important because the etiologic agent(s) that drive the eosinophilia are likely different for each patient. If the allergic evaluation identifies a specific food, this food should be strictly avoided as a first-line treatment. If a food is not identified, an elemental formula should be used to induce a remission. If an elemental diet cannot be used, topical steroids are effective in inducing a remission. The side effects associated with long-term steroid administration limit their use as a maintenance medication. Given the lack of prognostic data, the use of systemic corticosteroids should be reserved for severe cases when dietary elimination or topical steroids are ineffective. Most importantly, patients should remain under the care of a physician so that long-term outcomes can be identified. To date, diet restriction has been identified as the only effective maintenance treatment, but montelukast and topical cromolyn may also offer benefit. Anti-interleukin-5 antibody represents an emerging form of targeted therapy.