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Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Oesophagitis in children: reflux or allergy?
Kerryn Ireland-Jenkin1, Xiangru Wu, Ralf G Heine
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Pathology
|January 19, 2008
Summary
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is rising globally, often linked to allergies. Treatment involves diets or swallowed corticosteroids, not acid suppressors, to manage esophageal inflammation and prevent narrowing.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) prevalence is increasing worldwide, potentially due to enhanced recognition.
- Diagnostic criteria and histological assessment methods for EoE vary significantly across major clinical centers.
- EoE is characterized by high intraepithelial eosinophils (>20 per HPF), suggesting an allergic etiology over acid-peptic injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and characteristic features of EoE.
- To discuss clinical presentation, associations, and management strategies for EoE.
Main Methods:
- Review of histological findings, including basal cell hyperplasia and intraepithelial eosinophils.
- Endoscopic observations such as the 'corrugated' mucosal appearance.
- Clinical correlation of symptoms like dysphagia and food impaction.
Main Results:
- Typical EoE involves the entire esophagus with specific histological markers.
- A strong association exists between EoE and other atopic conditions like asthma and eczema.
- Patients with EoE often do not respond to acid suppression but improve with dietary changes or inhaled corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
- EoE is an allergic esophageal inflammatory condition with increasing prevalence.
- Effective management involves dietary interventions or topical corticosteroids, addressing inflammation and preventing complications like strictures.
- Long-term inflammation may lead to esophageal fibrosis and narrowing, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.
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