Commentary: Risks for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: IBD, Eczema, Diet, and Acid Suppressants, January 2024

Although there exists a recognized association between IBD and secondary EoE diagnoses, studies focusing on the primary diagnosis of EoE alongside IBD have yielded conflicting results. Dr Amiko Uchida, from the University of Utah Department of Medicine, working with colleagues from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, led by Dr Jonas F. Ludvigsson, conducted a comprehensive study spanning 1990-2019 to explore the relationship between these two diseases.

Dr Uchida and colleagues assessed the association among Swedish patients diagnosed with biopsy-verified EoE (n = 1587) between 1990 and 2017. These patients were age- and sex-matched with up to five reference individuals from the general population (n = 7808). The primary focus was to discern the relationship between the primary diagnosis of EoE and the subsequent diagnosis of IBD.

The study's findings underscore the importance of heightened awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential association between EoE and the development of subsequent IBD. Collaborative efforts between physicians, gastroenterologists, and specialists in allergic diseases are crucial to ensure comprehensive care and timely identification of gastrointestinal complications in patients with EoE.

These results indicate a potential interplay between EoE and the pathogenesis of IBD, particularly Crohn's disease. In patients with EoE, careful consideration of gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, is pivotal, necessitating further evaluation and appropriate monitoring for early detection and management of IBD.

Upon diagnosis, clinicians must develop a management plan for this chronic and critical disease. This study aids in planning future screenings for these patients, because one third of those diagnosed with EoE are at risk of developing IBD within a year. Therefore, primary physicians must remain vigilant for the development of gastrointestinal symptoms leading to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, family awareness is crucial owing to observed associations between siblings, suggesting a potential role of genetics or early environmental factors in EoE development and future IBD diagnoses.

Further research is necessary to elucidate the shared pathophysiologic mechanisms connecting EoE and IBD. It is important to consider certain details, however; for instance, 31% of all subsequent IBD cases were diagnosed within the first year after an EoE diagnosis, potentially indicating a role of detection bias in these findings. Using a validated nationwide cohort and comparing study individuals with their siblings helped control for potential intrafamilial confounders as well as some environmental confounders, minimizing such biases as selection bias due to socioeconomic status. This strengthens the observed association in this study.

These insights into the increased risk for IBD, notably Crohn's disease, among patients with EoE underscore the need for thorough clinical evaluation and vigilant monitoring for gastrointestinal complications in this population.

A retrospective study conducted in pediatric patients presenting with an aerodigestive manifestation aimed to assess the factors associated with EoE and the diagnostic role of triple endoscopy. The results suggested a potential association between a family history of eczema and a diet lacking allergenic foods with a future diagnosis of EoE.

This study by Sheila Moran and colleagues, led by Dr Christina J. Yang from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, aimed to identify preoperative risk factors linked to an EoE diagnosis in children undergoing triple endoscopy. They evaluated 119 pediatric patients aged 0-21 years who underwent triple endoscopy (including flexible bronchoscopy, rigid direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy with biopsy) at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019.

The study underscored the significance of both genetic predisposition and dietary influences in EoE development. Understanding the interplay between familial atopic conditions and dietary choices among pediatric patients with aerodigestive dysfunction is crucial for early identification and implementing preventive strategies against EoE.

As clinicians, it's essential to consider rare diseases like EoE when patients present with mixed symptoms, including aerodigestive symptoms, a family history of eczema, and a history of environmental allergies, given the association between these conditions. The potential link between a family history of eczema and increased EoE risk suggests a shared genetic susceptibility among allergic conditions. Therefore, clinicians evaluating children with aerodigestive dysfunction, particularly those with a familial history of eczema, should maintain a high index of suspicion for EoE, prompting vigilant monitoring and appropriate diagnostic assessments.

When contemplating advanced procedures, such as triple endoscopy or biopsy sampling, considering the patient's previous medical history and the effect of dietary modifications, such as incorporating or excluding dairy from the diet, warrants further investigation in the context of EoE prevention. Clinicians should consider providing dietary counseling and personalized nutritional plans based on evidence-based approaches to potentially mitigate EoE risk in susceptible pediatric populations.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider EoE in minority racial groups and underserved communities and encourage the use of diagnostic tests, such as triple endoscopy, to facilitate early diagnosis. Healthcare providers should contemplate integrating family history assessments, particularly regarding eczema, into the evaluation of children with aerodigestive dysfunction. This information can assist in risk assessment and early identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing EoE, enabling prompt intervention and management.

The increasing incidence of EoE across different nations, including the United States, has underscored the need for a deeper understanding of its causes, early diagnosis, and treatment. A novel population-based study conducted in Denmark aimed to explore the relationship between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in the development of EoE. The study yielded significant results based on a population of 392 cases. Dr Elizabeth T. Jensen, MPH, PhD, from the Department of Epidemiology & Prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a comprehensive study spanning the last 20 years to decipher potential causes contributing to the rising incidence of EoE.

Dr Jensen and her colleagues evaluated the association between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in Denmark. They used pathology, prescription, birth, inpatient, and outpatient health registry data, ensuring complete ascertainment of all EoE cases among Danish residents born between 1997 and 2018. The research obtained a census of cases from a registered sample of approximately 1.4 million children, matching EoE cases to controls using a 1:10 ratio through incidence density sampling. A total of 392 patients with EoE and 3637 control patients were enrolled. The primary outcome of the study focused on the development of EoE, revealing a dose-response association between maternal and infant antibiotic and acid suppressant use and increased EoE risk.

This study demonstrated a robust correlation between the dosage of antibiotics and acid suppressants and the development of EoE in offspring during childhood. These findings hold significance because these medications represent some of the most common prescriptions in clinical practice. Pregnancy triggers significant physiologic changes in women, including increased hormonal effects and abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, making pregnant individuals more prone to esophageal reflux and necessitating the use of gastric acid suppressants. As clinicians, it's crucial to consider lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments before resorting to acid suppressants, reserving their use for only when absolutely necessary.

Postpregnancy, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and proper feeding techniques can aid in reducing the likelihood of reflux disease in newborns. Acid suppressants have been linked to alterations in infant microbiome colonization, potentially increasing the susceptibility to immunoreactive diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Given that exclusive breastfeeding in the initial 6 months has demonstrated preventive benefits against such diseases, primary physicians play a crucial role in advocating its importance. Although gastric acid suppressants and antibiotics are essential for managing various health conditions, including infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), their potential impact on EoE development should not be overlooked.

Though this study had a relatively small sample size, the strong population registry of Denmark significantly reduced recall bias. However, cultural differences and over-the-counter access to drugs, such as acid suppressants, in other countries, including the United States, warrant further research to ascertain their effect on EoE development.

In light of these findings, clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing antibiotics and acid suppressants during pregnancy and infancy. Adherence to evidence-based guidelines and considering alternative treatment options, such as lifestyle modifications, should be prioritized. Prescribing antibiotics only when medically necessary and using nonpharmacologic strategies for managing GERD in infants should be considered to mitigate potential risks associated with these medications.

Although there exists a recognized association between IBD and secondary EoE diagnoses, studies focusing on the primary diagnosis of EoE alongside IBD have yielded conflicting results. Dr Amiko Uchida, from the University of Utah Department of Medicine, working with colleagues from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, led by Dr Jonas F. Ludvigsson, conducted a comprehensive study spanning 1990-2019 to explore the relationship between these two diseases.

Dr Uchida and colleagues assessed the association among Swedish patients diagnosed with biopsy-verified EoE (n = 1587) between 1990 and 2017. These patients were age- and sex-matched with up to five reference individuals from the general population (n = 7808). The primary focus was to discern the relationship between the primary diagnosis of EoE and the subsequent diagnosis of IBD.

The study's findings underscore the importance of heightened awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential association between EoE and the development of subsequent IBD. Collaborative efforts between physicians, gastroenterologists, and specialists in allergic diseases are crucial to ensure comprehensive care and timely identification of gastrointestinal complications in patients with EoE.

These results indicate a potential interplay between EoE and the pathogenesis of IBD, particularly Crohn's disease. In patients with EoE, careful consideration of gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, is pivotal, necessitating further evaluation and appropriate monitoring for early detection and management of IBD.

Upon diagnosis, clinicians must develop a management plan for this chronic and critical disease. This study aids in planning future screenings for these patients, because one third of those diagnosed with EoE are at risk of developing IBD within a year. Therefore, primary physicians must remain vigilant for the development of gastrointestinal symptoms leading to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, family awareness is crucial owing to observed associations between siblings, suggesting a potential role of genetics or early environmental factors in EoE development and future IBD diagnoses.

Further research is necessary to elucidate the shared pathophysiologic mechanisms connecting EoE and IBD. It is important to consider certain details, however; for instance, 31% of all subsequent IBD cases were diagnosed within the first year after an EoE diagnosis, potentially indicating a role of detection bias in these findings. Using a validated nationwide cohort and comparing study individuals with their siblings helped control for potential intrafamilial confounders as well as some environmental confounders, minimizing such biases as selection bias due to socioeconomic status. This strengthens the observed association in this study.

These insights into the increased risk for IBD, notably Crohn's disease, among patients with EoE underscore the need for thorough clinical evaluation and vigilant monitoring for gastrointestinal complications in this population.

A retrospective study conducted in pediatric patients presenting with an aerodigestive manifestation aimed to assess the factors associated with EoE and the diagnostic role of triple endoscopy. The results suggested a potential association between a family history of eczema and a diet lacking allergenic foods with a future diagnosis of EoE.

This study by Sheila Moran and colleagues, led by Dr Christina J. Yang from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, aimed to identify preoperative risk factors linked to an EoE diagnosis in children undergoing triple endoscopy. They evaluated 119 pediatric patients aged 0-21 years who underwent triple endoscopy (including flexible bronchoscopy, rigid direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy with biopsy) at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019.

The study underscored the significance of both genetic predisposition and dietary influences in EoE development. Understanding the interplay between familial atopic conditions and dietary choices among pediatric patients with aerodigestive dysfunction is crucial for early identification and implementing preventive strategies against EoE.

As clinicians, it's essential to consider rare diseases like EoE when patients present with mixed symptoms, including aerodigestive symptoms, a family history of eczema, and a history of environmental allergies, given the association between these conditions. The potential link between a family history of eczema and increased EoE risk suggests a shared genetic susceptibility among allergic conditions. Therefore, clinicians evaluating children with aerodigestive dysfunction, particularly those with a familial history of eczema, should maintain a high index of suspicion for EoE, prompting vigilant monitoring and appropriate diagnostic assessments.

When contemplating advanced procedures, such as triple endoscopy or biopsy sampling, considering the patient's previous medical history and the effect of dietary modifications, such as incorporating or excluding dairy from the diet, warrants further investigation in the context of EoE prevention. Clinicians should consider providing dietary counseling and personalized nutritional plans based on evidence-based approaches to potentially mitigate EoE risk in susceptible pediatric populations.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider EoE in minority racial groups and underserved communities and encourage the use of diagnostic tests, such as triple endoscopy, to facilitate early diagnosis. Healthcare providers should contemplate integrating family history assessments, particularly regarding eczema, into the evaluation of children with aerodigestive dysfunction. This information can assist in risk assessment and early identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing EoE, enabling prompt intervention and management.

The increasing incidence of EoE across different nations, including the United States, has underscored the need for a deeper understanding of its causes, early diagnosis, and treatment. A novel population-based study conducted in Denmark aimed to explore the relationship between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in the development of EoE. The study yielded significant results based on a population of 392 cases. Dr Elizabeth T. Jensen, MPH, PhD, from the Department of Epidemiology & Prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a comprehensive study spanning the last 20 years to decipher potential causes contributing to the rising incidence of EoE.

Dr Jensen and her colleagues evaluated the association between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in Denmark. They used pathology, prescription, birth, inpatient, and outpatient health registry data, ensuring complete ascertainment of all EoE cases among Danish residents born between 1997 and 2018. The research obtained a census of cases from a registered sample of approximately 1.4 million children, matching EoE cases to controls using a 1:10 ratio through incidence density sampling. A total of 392 patients with EoE and 3637 control patients were enrolled. The primary outcome of the study focused on the development of EoE, revealing a dose-response association between maternal and infant antibiotic and acid suppressant use and increased EoE risk.

This study demonstrated a robust correlation between the dosage of antibiotics and acid suppressants and the development of EoE in offspring during childhood. These findings hold significance because these medications represent some of the most common prescriptions in clinical practice. Pregnancy triggers significant physiologic changes in women, including increased hormonal effects and abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, making pregnant individuals more prone to esophageal reflux and necessitating the use of gastric acid suppressants. As clinicians, it's crucial to consider lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments before resorting to acid suppressants, reserving their use for only when absolutely necessary.

Postpregnancy, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and proper feeding techniques can aid in reducing the likelihood of reflux disease in newborns. Acid suppressants have been linked to alterations in infant microbiome colonization, potentially increasing the susceptibility to immunoreactive diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Given that exclusive breastfeeding in the initial 6 months has demonstrated preventive benefits against such diseases, primary physicians play a crucial role in advocating its importance. Although gastric acid suppressants and antibiotics are essential for managing various health conditions, including infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), their potential impact on EoE development should not be overlooked.

Though this study had a relatively small sample size, the strong population registry of Denmark significantly reduced recall bias. However, cultural differences and over-the-counter access to drugs, such as acid suppressants, in other countries, including the United States, warrant further research to ascertain their effect on EoE development.

In light of these findings, clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing antibiotics and acid suppressants during pregnancy and infancy. Adherence to evidence-based guidelines and considering alternative treatment options, such as lifestyle modifications, should be prioritized. Prescribing antibiotics only when medically necessary and using nonpharmacologic strategies for managing GERD in infants should be considered to mitigate potential risks associated with these medications.

Although there exists a recognized association between IBD and secondary EoE diagnoses, studies focusing on the primary diagnosis of EoE alongside IBD have yielded conflicting results. Dr Amiko Uchida, from the University of Utah Department of Medicine, working with colleagues from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, led by Dr Jonas F. Ludvigsson, conducted a comprehensive study spanning 1990-2019 to explore the relationship between these two diseases.

Dr Uchida and colleagues assessed the association among Swedish patients diagnosed with biopsy-verified EoE (n = 1587) between 1990 and 2017. These patients were age- and sex-matched with up to five reference individuals from the general population (n = 7808). The primary focus was to discern the relationship between the primary diagnosis of EoE and the subsequent diagnosis of IBD.

The study's findings underscore the importance of heightened awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential association between EoE and the development of subsequent IBD. Collaborative efforts between physicians, gastroenterologists, and specialists in allergic diseases are crucial to ensure comprehensive care and timely identification of gastrointestinal complications in patients with EoE.

These results indicate a potential interplay between EoE and the pathogenesis of IBD, particularly Crohn's disease. In patients with EoE, careful consideration of gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, is pivotal, necessitating further evaluation and appropriate monitoring for early detection and management of IBD.

Upon diagnosis, clinicians must develop a management plan for this chronic and critical disease. This study aids in planning future screenings for these patients, because one third of those diagnosed with EoE are at risk of developing IBD within a year. Therefore, primary physicians must remain vigilant for the development of gastrointestinal symptoms leading to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, family awareness is crucial owing to observed associations between siblings, suggesting a potential role of genetics or early environmental factors in EoE development and future IBD diagnoses.

Further research is necessary to elucidate the shared pathophysiologic mechanisms connecting EoE and IBD. It is important to consider certain details, however; for instance, 31% of all subsequent IBD cases were diagnosed within the first year after an EoE diagnosis, potentially indicating a role of detection bias in these findings. Using a validated nationwide cohort and comparing study individuals with their siblings helped control for potential intrafamilial confounders as well as some environmental confounders, minimizing such biases as selection bias due to socioeconomic status. This strengthens the observed association in this study.

These insights into the increased risk for IBD, notably Crohn's disease, among patients with EoE underscore the need for thorough clinical evaluation and vigilant monitoring for gastrointestinal complications in this population.

A retrospective study conducted in pediatric patients presenting with an aerodigestive manifestation aimed to assess the factors associated with EoE and the diagnostic role of triple endoscopy. The results suggested a potential association between a family history of eczema and a diet lacking allergenic foods with a future diagnosis of EoE.

This study by Sheila Moran and colleagues, led by Dr Christina J. Yang from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, aimed to identify preoperative risk factors linked to an EoE diagnosis in children undergoing triple endoscopy. They evaluated 119 pediatric patients aged 0-21 years who underwent triple endoscopy (including flexible bronchoscopy, rigid direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy with biopsy) at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019.

The study underscored the significance of both genetic predisposition and dietary influences in EoE development. Understanding the interplay between familial atopic conditions and dietary choices among pediatric patients with aerodigestive dysfunction is crucial for early identification and implementing preventive strategies against EoE.

As clinicians, it's essential to consider rare diseases like EoE when patients present with mixed symptoms, including aerodigestive symptoms, a family history of eczema, and a history of environmental allergies, given the association between these conditions. The potential link between a family history of eczema and increased EoE risk suggests a shared genetic susceptibility among allergic conditions. Therefore, clinicians evaluating children with aerodigestive dysfunction, particularly those with a familial history of eczema, should maintain a high index of suspicion for EoE, prompting vigilant monitoring and appropriate diagnostic assessments.

When contemplating advanced procedures, such as triple endoscopy or biopsy sampling, considering the patient's previous medical history and the effect of dietary modifications, such as incorporating or excluding dairy from the diet, warrants further investigation in the context of EoE prevention. Clinicians should consider providing dietary counseling and personalized nutritional plans based on evidence-based approaches to potentially mitigate EoE risk in susceptible pediatric populations.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider EoE in minority racial groups and underserved communities and encourage the use of diagnostic tests, such as triple endoscopy, to facilitate early diagnosis. Healthcare providers should contemplate integrating family history assessments, particularly regarding eczema, into the evaluation of children with aerodigestive dysfunction. This information can assist in risk assessment and early identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing EoE, enabling prompt intervention and management.

The increasing incidence of EoE across different nations, including the United States, has underscored the need for a deeper understanding of its causes, early diagnosis, and treatment. A novel population-based study conducted in Denmark aimed to explore the relationship between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in the development of EoE. The study yielded significant results based on a population of 392 cases. Dr Elizabeth T. Jensen, MPH, PhD, from the Department of Epidemiology & Prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a comprehensive study spanning the last 20 years to decipher potential causes contributing to the rising incidence of EoE.

Dr Jensen and her colleagues evaluated the association between maternal and infant use of antibiotics and acid suppressants in Denmark. They used pathology, prescription, birth, inpatient, and outpatient health registry data, ensuring complete ascertainment of all EoE cases among Danish residents born between 1997 and 2018. The research obtained a census of cases from a registered sample of approximately 1.4 million children, matching EoE cases to controls using a 1:10 ratio through incidence density sampling. A total of 392 patients with EoE and 3637 control patients were enrolled. The primary outcome of the study focused on the development of EoE, revealing a dose-response association between maternal and infant antibiotic and acid suppressant use and increased EoE risk.

This study demonstrated a robust correlation between the dosage of antibiotics and acid suppressants and the development of EoE in offspring during childhood. These findings hold significance because these medications represent some of the most common prescriptions in clinical practice. Pregnancy triggers significant physiologic changes in women, including increased hormonal effects and abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, making pregnant individuals more prone to esophageal reflux and necessitating the use of gastric acid suppressants. As clinicians, it's crucial to consider lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments before resorting to acid suppressants, reserving their use for only when absolutely necessary.

Postpregnancy, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and proper feeding techniques can aid in reducing the likelihood of reflux disease in newborns. Acid suppressants have been linked to alterations in infant microbiome colonization, potentially increasing the susceptibility to immunoreactive diseases, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Given that exclusive breastfeeding in the initial 6 months has demonstrated preventive benefits against such diseases, primary physicians play a crucial role in advocating its importance. Although gastric acid suppressants and antibiotics are essential for managing various health conditions, including infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), their potential impact on EoE development should not be overlooked.

Though this study had a relatively small sample size, the strong population registry of Denmark significantly reduced recall bias. However, cultural differences and over-the-counter access to drugs, such as acid suppressants, in other countries, including the United States, warrant further research to ascertain their effect on EoE development.

In light of these findings, clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing antibiotics and acid suppressants during pregnancy and infancy. Adherence to evidence-based guidelines and considering alternative treatment options, such as lifestyle modifications, should be prioritized. Prescribing antibiotics only when medically necessary and using nonpharmacologic strategies for managing GERD in infants should be considered to mitigate potential risks associated with these medications.