Clinical features of pediatric eosinophilic gastroenteritis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition in children.
• Previous studies have analyzed limited cases of pediatric EGE in single centers.
• This study presents one of the largest single-center analyses of pediatric EGE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
• To highlight EGE as a crucial differential diagnosis for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms in children.
• To identify potential endoscopic markers for pediatric EGE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 860 children (1-15 years) undergoing endoscopy for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Diagnosis of EGE based on criteria for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
• Investigation of symptoms, comorbidities, endoscopic and pathological findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 109 children (12.7%) were diagnosed with EGE, with a median age of 11 years.
• Abdominal pain (76.1%) and diarrhea (23.9%) were chief complaints; endoscopic findings were often nonspecific.
• Treatment with elimination diets and anti-allergic agents led to symptom resolution or improvement in 88% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Cracked mucosa may be a specific endoscopic finding for pediatric EGE.
• Dietary elimination and anti-allergic medications are effective treatments for pediatric EGE.