Practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis

Although consensus guidelines for eosinophilic oesophagitis have been published, it remains unclear whether gastroenterologists follow these recommendations.

To assess academic and community practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis and to compare these practices with current guidelines.

This was a prospective study of academic and community gastroenterologists using a self-administered online survey.

A total of 60% (34 of 57) of academic and 29% (38 of 133) of community gastroenterologists completed the survey. Only 24% of academic and 3% of community gastroenterologists follow consensus guidelines to diagnose eosinophilic oesophagitis (P = 0.007). A proton pump inhibitor trial or negative pH study prior to diagnosis was required by just 25% of all gastroenterologists. A majority (60%) do not use the recommended threshold of 15 eosinophils per high powered field to diagnosis eosinophilic oesophagitis. Half (51%) mistakenly require a positive endoscopic finding. For first-line treatment, about half of the gastroenterologists surveyed treat with a swallowed topical steroid (53% academic, 56% community; P = N.S.), consistent with the guidelines.

There is variability in practice patterns for both diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Ongoing education and research concerning diagnosis and treatment are needed.