Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathological disease defined by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and 215 eosinophils/HPF after excluding other causes of esophageal eosinophilia. Increasing attention has been paid by clinicians and researchers after its first description in 1978. Many consensuses and guidelines have been issued over the years, as gastroenterologists did not reach an agreement on EoE definition, especially regarding the controversial responsiveness to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Of note, recent evidence suggests that the incidence and prevalence of EoE have been increasing through the years: many risk factors have been advocated as possible reasons for this, although further studies are needed. In this brief review, we will first cover the history of EoE in the literature, with a focus on its varying definition throughout the years. Then, we will discuss EoE epidemiology, emphasizing potential risk factors explaining its increasing incidence and prevalence. Last, we will deal with the quality of life of adult and pediatric patients with EoE. (Cite this article as: Frazzoni L, Tolone S. Eosinophilic esophagitis: definition, epidemiology and quality of life. Minerva Gastroenterol 2022;68:60-8. DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5985.20.02798-1)
Eosinophilic esophagitis: definition, epidemiology and quality of life
Tolone, Salvatore
2022
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathological disease defined by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and 215 eosinophils/HPF after excluding other causes of esophageal eosinophilia. Increasing attention has been paid by clinicians and researchers after its first description in 1978. Many consensuses and guidelines have been issued over the years, as gastroenterologists did not reach an agreement on EoE definition, especially regarding the controversial responsiveness to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Of note, recent evidence suggests that the incidence and prevalence of EoE have been increasing through the years: many risk factors have been advocated as possible reasons for this, although further studies are needed. In this brief review, we will first cover the history of EoE in the literature, with a focus on its varying definition throughout the years. Then, we will discuss EoE epidemiology, emphasizing potential risk factors explaining its increasing incidence and prevalence. Last, we will deal with the quality of life of adult and pediatric patients with EoE. (Cite this article as: Frazzoni L, Tolone S. Eosinophilic esophagitis: definition, epidemiology and quality of life. Minerva Gastroenterol 2022;68:60-8. DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5985.20.02798-1)I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
