Budesonide for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Short-term administration of the topical corticosteroid budesonide was highly effective in treating EoE and relieving its symptoms.

Although the prevalence and awareness of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults continue to increase, optimal treatment strategies remain undefined. Standard recommended therapy includes systemic or topical steroids (e.g., fluticasone). Recently, the use of budesonide has been reported as highly effective in pediatric patients (JW Gastroenterol Sep 24 2010), but its efficacy in adolescent and adult patients is unknown.

To investigate this issue, researchers randomized 36 patients aged ≥14 years with EoE to receive either 2 mg of budesonide (0.25 mg/mL) suspension or a placebo of saline solution in an industry-supported, double-blind trial. Participants self-administered 4 mL of liquid via nebulizer into the oropharynx, followed by continuo…

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