No gender differences in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) affects more men than women.
• Limited data exists on gender-specific differences in EoE beyond incidence.
• This study investigates gender disparities in EoE phenotype, treatment, and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if gender influences clinical phenotype in adult EoE patients.
• To assess gender differences in treatment response for EoE.
• To investigate gender-related variations in EoE complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, registry-based cohort study (DanEoE) of 236 adult EoE patients (2007-2017).
• Inclusion of patients diagnosed in the North Denmark Region.
• Data collected via medical registries, patient records, and pathology reports.

Main Results:

• No significant gender differences in symptoms, macroscopic, or histological findings at diagnosis.
• Similar rates of symptomatic and histological follow-up between men and women.
• While more men reported symptom resolution with proton pump inhibitors, histological response was comparable; food bolus obstructions and dilations were also similar.

Conclusions:

• Few gender differences were observed in this adult EoE cohort.
• Findings suggest that men and women with EoE may be treated similarly.
• Further research may clarify subtle gender-related nuances in EoE management.