Long-term efficacy of proton pump inhibitors as a treatment modality for eosinophilic esophagitis

Dig Liver Dis. 2022 Sep;54(9):1179-1185. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.03.006. Epub 2022 Apr 8.

Abstract

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a first-line treatment for EoE, but data are limited concerning response durability. We aimed to determine long-term outcomes in EoE patients responsive to PPI-therapy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed adults with EoE who had initial histologic response (<15 eosinophils per high-power-field) to PPI-only therapy. We extracted data regarding their subsequent clinical course and outcomes. We compared findings between the initial PPI-response endoscopy and the final endoscopy, and assessed factors associated with loss of PPI response.

Results: Of 138 EoE patients with initial histologic response to PPI, 50 had long-term endoscopic follow-up, 40 had clinical follow-up, 10 changed treatments, and 38 had no long-term follow-up. Of those with endoscopic follow-up, mean follow-up-time was 3.6 ± 2.9 years; 30 and 32 patients (60%; 64%) maintained histologic and symptom responses, respectively. However, fibrotic endoscopic findings of EoE were unchanged. Younger age (aOR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11) and dilation prior to PPI treatment (aOR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83) were the only factors associated with long-term loss of PPI response.

Conclusions: Long-term histologic and clinical response rates for PPI therapy were 60% and 64%, respectively. Younger age and dilation at baseline were associated with histologic loss of response. These data can inform long-term EoE treatment selection.

Keywords: Eosinophilic esophagitis; Histology; Outcomes; Proton pump inhibitor; Response rates.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Enteritis
  • Eosinophilia
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis*
  • Gastritis
  • Humans
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors

Supplementary concepts

  • Eosinophilic enteropathy