Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: current knowledge to open new horizons

Abstract

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune/antigen-mediated condition which is also driven by genetic and environmental factors. It has been deeply investigated over the last years and its incidence is widely increasing in childhood. Although atopic diseases are closely linked with EoE, it does not recognize a classical IgE-mediate immune pathogenesis but it is rather a T helper type 2 inflammatory process. Familial clustering supports genetic predisposition in EoE and recent advances in understanding the genetic basis for EoE may eventually translate into targeted management of the disease. EoE diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, micro, and macroscopic findings along with exclusion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) evidence. Management of the disease encompasses both dietary and pharmacological solutions that need to be specifically targeted on patients’ history, clinical symptoms, and diagnostic evaluations. New therapies, currently not available in children, may represent the basis for future therapeutic options in the next years.

Keywords:

• Gastrointestinal diseases
• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• esophageal diseases
• eosinophilic disorders
• children

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr J. P. Mann (Department of Pediatrics, University of Cambridge, UK) for the contribution given in the final editing of the review.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The data presented, the statements made, and the views expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors.