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Comparison of Esomeprazole to Aerosolized, Swallowed Fluticasone for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

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Abstract

Background

Both gastroesophageal reflux disease and allergy/atopy have been implicated in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). There are no prospective studies comparing treatment of EoE with acid suppression versus topical corticosteroids.

Objective

To determine the outcome of adult eosinophilic esophagitis patients treated with esomeprazole versus topical fluticasone.

Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Adults (18–80) diagnosed with EoE by symptoms of dysphagia and esophageal biopsies with ≥15 eosinophils/hpf.

Interventions

Subjects were randomized to esomeprazole (40 mg by mouth every morning) or aerosolized, swallowed fluticasone (440 mcg by mouth twice a day) for 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measurements

Improvement in dysphagia (8-point scale), esophageal eosinophil infiltration before and after treatment, prevalence of GERD measured by validated questionnaire and baseline pH study.

Results

About 56% (14/25) had acid reflux by pH study. There was no difference between treatment groups in improvement in dysphagia scores [3/12 (25%) of the esomeprazole group versus 6/12 (50%) in the fluticasone group, P = 0.40]. Eosinophil infiltration decreased with treatment in both groups, and there was no difference in the amount of decrease between groups (P = 0.70).

Limitations

Small sample size, unexpectedly high drop-out rate.

Conclusions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in adult eosinophilic esophagitis patients. Dysphagia improves and esophageal eosinophilic infiltration decreases with either treatment. There was no difference in degree of improvement in dysphagia or eosinophil infiltration in patients treated with either topical fluticasone or oral esomeprazole. GERD may be important in the pathogenesis of adult EoE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Kathryn A. Peterson, Kristen L. Thomas, Kristen Hilden, Lyska L. Emerson, Jason C. Wills & John C. Fang

Authors
  1. Kathryn A. Peterson
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  2. Kristen L. Thomas
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  3. Kristen Hilden
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  4. Lyska L. Emerson
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  5. Jason C. Wills
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  6. John C. Fang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John C. Fang.

Additional information

Funding support was provided in part by an ASGE Research grant.

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Peterson, K.A., Thomas, K.L., Hilden, K. et al. Comparison of Esomeprazole to Aerosolized, Swallowed Fluticasone for Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Dig Dis Sci 55, 1313–1319 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0859-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0859-4

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