Dietary Elimination Works for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eliminating six standard allergenic food groups might be as effective as targeted elimination; larger studies with longer follow-up are needed.

Although swallowed corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), disease relapse is likely upon discontinuance. Based on recent encouraging results (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Jul 2 2014), dietary elimination might be a more durable therapy.

Investigators retrospectively assessed responses in 31 adults with EoE (diagnosis based on consensus guidelines) to a targeted elimination diet (foods eliminated based on allergy skin-prick test or patient report of possible trigger) or a six-food elimination diet (SFED; elimination of dairy, wheat, soy, nuts, seafood, and eggs). Six weeks after elimination, if clinical improvement occurred, foods were reintroduced one at a time for 6 weeks followed by endoscopy w…

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