EoE ToT Module 3 References-Vernon et al Allergy Asthma Proc 2014 Comparison of atopic features between children and adults with EoE

Vernon et al Allergy Asthma Proc 2014 Comparison of atopic features between children and adults with EoE

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The study examines the atopic features and allergic sensitizations in children and adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus associated with atopic disorders. The research involves a retrospective analysis of demographic and clinical data from 50 children (ages 2-18) and 50 adults (ages 21-75) with biopsy-confirmed EoE at an allergy clinic. Key findings include a higher prevalence of asthma in children with EoE (52% in children vs. 24% in adults). Both children and adults showed high rates of comorbid allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and IgE-mediated food allergies, though these were not significantly different between the groups.<br /><br />Food sensitization through skin-prick tests (SPT) and serum-specific IgE tests were common in both age groups, with children often sensitized to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and soy, while adults were more often sensitized to tree nuts, shellfish, soy, and fruits. Delayed hypersensitivity (patch testing) showed that children had significantly more positive reactions to foods than adults (62% vs. 31%).<br /><br />Immediate hypersensitivity to aeroallergens was also prevalent. Most children were sensitized to trees, dust mites, cats, and molds, while adults were mainly sensitized to dust mites, trees, and grass. Both groups showed similar rates of sensitization through SPT and serum-specific IgE assays.<br /><br />The study concludes that while both children and adults with EoE exhibit high prevalence of atopic diseases and sensitizations to allergens, children are significantly more affected by asthma and show more delayed-type food allergies. The study also highlights the potential involvement of both IgE and non-IgE mechanisms in EoE's pathogenesis. These findings contribute to understanding the differences in atopic features between children and adults with EoE, suggesting potential age-related variations in the disease's allergic sensitization profiles.

Keywords

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

atopic disorders

allergic sensitizations

children

adults

asthma

food allergies

aeroallergens

IgE mechanisms

delayed hypersensitivity