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The role of allergy evaluation in children with eosinophilic esophagitis

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Abstract

Background

To our knowledge, in Asia, data on utility of allergy tests in management of eosinophilic esophagitis are lacking. The objective of our study was to determine the role of allergy evaluation in management of Saudi children with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Methods

Children diagnosed as having eosinophilic esophagitis during the period from 2009 to 2012 were referred to an allergist for allergy evaluation. The allergy evaluation consisted of total IgE level, radio-allergosorbent assay, and skin prick test. Depending on the results of the allergy tests, a restricted or elemental diet was established. Swallowed fluticasone inhaler was prescribed to patients who rejected or failed to respond to the diet. Clinical, endoscopic, and histological evaluation was performed in 8 weeks to assess response.

Results

Eighteen children with eosinophilic esophagitis were included (13 males; mean age 5 years, range 1–11). Sensitization to foods was demonstrated in 14 patients: 4 with a positive test for a single food (28.5 %), 1 for 2 food allergens (7 %), and 9 for ≥3 food allergens (64.5 %). The most common food allergens were milk, soybean, wheat, egg, and nuts. Three young children out of the total 14 patients responded to elemental formula. Four of the 10 older children on the allergy testing guided-dietary restriction achieved partial remission and the remaining 6 did not respond. All 10 patients responded to a swallowed fluticasone inhaler.

Conclusion

Although food sensitizations in Saudi children with eosinophilic esophagitis are common, the allergy tests had limited predictive value for the response to dietary elimination.

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Conflict of interest

Authors disclose that they have no financial relationship to disclose within the past 12 months with biotechnology manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, or other commercial entity that has any interest in the subject matter, materials, or processes discussed in the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, P. O. Box 59046, 11525, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Abdulrahman Al-Hussaini

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital, University of King Saud for Health Sciences, King Fahad Medical City, PO box 59046, 11525, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Eman Al-Idressi & Mofareh Al-Zahrani

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  1. Abdulrahman Al-Hussaini
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  2. Eman Al-Idressi
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  3. Mofareh Al-Zahrani
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Correspondence to Abdulrahman Al-Hussaini.

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Al-Hussaini, A., Al-Idressi, E. & Al-Zahrani, M. The role of allergy evaluation in children with eosinophilic esophagitis. J Gastroenterol 48, 1205–1212 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-012-0741-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-012-0741-6

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