Esophageal Mucosal Integrity Improved by Elemental Diet in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

However, duodenal mucosal integrity was unaffected by eliminating dietary allergens.

The six-food elimination diet (dairy, wheat, soy, nuts, seafood, and eggs) has been shown to be an effective treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). It has been suggested that increased small-bowel permeability in EoE allows for the systemic circulation of dietary allergens and antigens (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Sep 2014 and Gut 2015; 64:538). If so, then identifying and eliminating these allergenic foods should produce a sustained benefit.

To test this hypothesis, researchers prospectively evaluated both esophageal and duodenal integrity in 17 patients with EoE before and after they underwent a 4-week elemental diet. Specifically, they assessed both in vivo and in vitro integrity (mucosal impedance and transepithelial resistance, respect…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors