224 a retrospective case–control study assessing the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of eosinophilic esophagitis in japan

Abstract Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergy-associated clinicopathologic condition gaining an increasing amount of recognition in various areas of the world. While the clinical definition and characteristics may differ depending on country and region, sufficient studies have not yet been performed in Japan. To assess the prevalence of EoE among the Japanese population and the clinical features and the prognosis associated with the disease. Methods Medical data from January 2012 to October 2018 was gathered from nine Japanese clinical institutes. EoE, defined as more than 15 intraepithelial eosinophils per high power field, was determined based on esophageal biopsies. Clinical and endoscopic patterns in the cases with EoE were investigated and compared with 186 age- and sex-matched controls. We also analyzed the treatment and prognosis of an individual patient. Results From 130,013 upper endoscopic examinations, 66 cases of EoE were identified (0.051%; mean age: 45.2 years (range 7-79); 45 males). Patients with EoE had more symptoms (69.7 vs. 10.8%; P < 0.01) such as dysphagia and food impaction, and more allergies (63.6 vs. 23.7%; P < 0.01) compared with the controls. The prevalence of atrophic gastritis was lower in EoE patients than in the controls (20.0% vs. 33.3%). In 55 patients analyzed, 32 patients (78.0%) received proton pump inhibitors with or without swallowed topical corticosteroids. During the follw-up period (mean 23 months), no patient got worse regarding clinical and endoscopic findings. Conclusion The prevalence of EoE in the Japanese population was 0.051% which was comparable with previous reports in Japan. Male predominance, a history of allergies, and the absence of Helicobacter pylori infection might be risk factors for EoE. Our study also indicated that the prognosis of EoE might be relatively good in Japanese populations.