Summary
Real-world practice patterns of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) among gastroenterologists are not well-described. The aim is to describe practice patterns of EoE diagnosis and management and assess concordance with consensus guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of gastroenterologists in the USA using Qualtrics, which was dispersed through the North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology (NCSG) and the American College of Gastroenterology member listservs. A similar survey was sent to NCSG members in 2010 and responses were compared in a subanalysis. Of 240 respondents, 37% (n = 80) worked in an academic setting versus 63% (n = 138) community practice setting. Providers saw a median of 18 (interquartile range 2–100) EoE patients annually and 24% (n = 52) were ‘very familiar’ with EoE guidelines. A proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) trial was required by 37% of providers prior to EoE diagnosis. In total, 60% used a ≥15 eosinophils per high-power field cut point for diagnosis and 62% biopsied from the proximal and distal esophagus on initial exam. Only 12% (n = 28) followed EoE diagnosis guidelines. For first-line treatment, 7% used dietary therapy, 32% topical steroids, and 61% used PPIs; 67% used fluticasone as first-line steroid; 41% used maintenance steroid treatment in responders. In the NCSG cohort, a higher proportion in 2017 followed guideline diagnosis recommendations compared with 2010 (14% vs. 3%; P = 0.03) and a higher proportion used dietary therapy as first-line treatment (13% vs. 3%; P = 0.046). There is variability in EoE practice patterns for EoE management, with management differing markedly from consensus guidelines. Further education and guideline dissemination are needed to standardize practice.
Longitudinal Growth Outcomes Following First-line Treatment for Pediatric Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis