Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: A single-center experience
Martina Votto1, Alessandro Raffaele2, Maria De Filippo1
1Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are increasing in Italy. This study highlights key clinical features, comorbidities like allergies and autism spectrum disorders, and treatment approaches for these emerging conditions in children.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Limited research exists on pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) in Italy.
- EGIDs represent a growing area of concern in pediatric healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with EGIDs.
- To analyze trends and associations within a cohort from a tertiary pediatric center.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 112 pediatric patients diagnosed with EGIDs between January 2015 and December 2019.
- Collection and review of clinical, endoscopic, and histological data.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- EGID diagnoses, particularly non-esophageal forms, have increased.
- Allergic comorbidities were common, especially in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
- Autism spectrum disorders were significantly associated with non-esophageal EGIDs, and esophageal atresia with EoE.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first in Italy to report a rising incidence of pediatric EGIDs.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand and manage these increasingly prevalent pediatric conditions.
Background:
To date, few studies have been conducted in Italy on pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs).
Aims:
To assess clinical features of pediatric patients with EGIDs who are followed in a tertiary pediatric center.
Methods:
From January 2015 to December 2019, we retrospectively enrolled patients with EGIDs, and collected clinical, endoscopic, and histological data.
Results:
We enrolled 112 patients, 75.8% were male. Mean age was 9.3 ± 4.8 years. Diagnosis of EGIDs has increased in the last two years, with non-esophageal EGIDs more prevalent than eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) (5.1% vs. 4.4%). Approximately 30% of patients had allergic comorbidities, which prevailed in children with EoE. Autism spectrum disorders were common in patients with non-esophageal EGIDs (p = 0.007), a statistically significant finding. In addition, esophageal atresia was associated with EoE (p = 0.04). Most EGIDs patients had normal findings or an inflammatory endoscopic phenotype. Patients with EoE were mainly treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) alone or in combination with swallowed steroids. PPIs, oral steroids, and food-elimination diets were prescribed to patients with non-esophageal EGIDs.
Conclusion:
This is the first Italian study revealing an increased frequency of EGIDs in a pediatric population. Further studies are needed to characterize patients with these emerging diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption