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Pediatric and adult eosinophilic esophagitis: similarities and differences.
- Source :
-
Allergy . Apr2012, Vol. 67 Issue 4, p477-490. 14p. 2 Color Photographs, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Early in the 1990s, several case series described adults suffering from dysphagia and children with refractory reflux symptoms, both accompanied by an eosinophil-predominant infiltration, thereby conclusively distinguishing it from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Eosinophilic esophagitis ( Eo E) was recognized as its own entity in the adult and in the pediatric literature. In the last decade, evidence has accumulated that Eo E represents a T-helper ( Th)2-type inflammatory disease. Remodeling of the esophagus is a hallmark of Eo E, leading to esophageal dysfunction and bolus impaction. Familial occurrence and disease association with single-nucleotide polymorphisms underscore the influence of genetics in this disease. Eosinophilic esophagitis may affect individuals at any age, although the clinical presentation is highly age dependent. There is a significant allergic bias in the Eo E population, with the majority of patients having concurrent allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, and/or a history of atopy. One noteworthy difference is that in children, Eo E seems to be primarily a food antigen-driven disease, whereas in adults, mainly aeroallergen sensitization has been observed. Treatment modalities for Eo E include the 3 Ds: drugs, diet, and dilation. The crucial question of whether adult and pediatric Eo E are different phenotypes of one single entity or whether we are confronted with two different diseases is still open. Here, we review similarities and differences between Eo E in adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01054538
- Volume :
- 67
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Allergy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 73283182
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2012.02787.x