Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in a tertiary center in Taiwan: A cohort study
Wen-Yu Tseng1, Kuan-Wen Su2, Ming-Wei Lai3
1Department of Pediatrics, Jen Ai Hospital, Dali Branch, No. 483, Dongrong Rd., Dali Dist., Taichung City, 412, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Medical Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, 333, Taiwan.
Insights
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is emerging in Taiwan. This study details pediatric EoE symptoms and outcomes, emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment by pediatric GI specialists.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) incidence has risen globally over two decades.
- Pediatric EoE presents unique clinical challenges and diagnostic considerations.
- Taiwan has seen an increase in EoE cases, necessitating local data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical symptoms and treatment outcomes in a pediatric EoE cohort in Northern Taiwan.
- To compare EoE presentation and progression in younger versus older children.
- To provide insights for early diagnosis and management of pediatric EoE in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with EoE (2005-2023).
- Patients categorized into younger (<10 years) and older (≥10 years) age groups.
- Analysis of demographics, symptoms, endoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Forty-nine children diagnosed with EoE; prevalence estimated at 0.58%.
- Abdominal pain common in older children; poor appetite and failure to thrive noted in younger children.
- Proton-pump inhibitors were first-line treatment; 89.8% showed symptom improvement.
Conclusions:
- This is the first single-center pediatric EoE cohort study in Taiwan.
- Highlights the need for increased awareness among pediatric GI specialists for timely EoE diagnosis.
- Emphasizes effective management strategies for this growing pediatric condition in Taiwan.
Background:
The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has increased over the last 20 years. We aimed to investigate the clinical symptoms and outcomes of a pediatric cohort with eosinophilic esophagitis in a tertiary center in Northern Taiwan.
Material And Methods:
We reviewed the records of children diagnosed with EoE at Chang Gung Children's Medical Center Linkou Branch from January 2005 to December 2023. The patients were divided into older (≥10 years of age) and younger (<10 years of age) groups. Their demographics, symptoms, laboratory results, endoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Forty-nine children were included in the study (23 and 26 in the older and younger groups, respectively). The estimated prevalence of EoE was 0.58%. The mean ages at onset and diagnosis were 9.5 ± 5.0 and 10.5 ± 5.1 years, respectively. All patients in the older group had abdominal pain, whereas poor appetite and abdominal distention were more common in the younger group. Failure to thrive occurred only in the younger group. Most of the patients (89.8%) received a proton-pump inhibitor as the first-line treatment. Four patients showed a good response to dupilumab. After treatment, 44 patients (89.8%) exhibited symptom improvement. The mean duration of the first treatment was 8.3 ± 7.9 months.
Conclusions:
As the first single-center cohort report of pediatric EoE in Taiwan, this study highlights that pediatric GI specialists should keep EoE in mind to reach a timely diagnosis and effective treatment for this emerging disease in Taiwan.
