A recent study (KA Whelan et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18: 1475-82) examined esophageal histology in 243 patients (mean age 16.9 years) in 3 groups: active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), inactive EoE (<15 eos/hpf), and a control non-EoE group.

Key findings:

Basal cell hyperplasia and spongiosis were present in 43 (29%) and 109 (74%) respectively of patients with inactive EoE. In comparison, these findings were present in 98% and 100% respectively of those with active EoE and in 6% and 33% of non-EoE patients

My take: This study provides some insight into the idea that esophageal damage may be ongoing in the absence of eosinophils.  These histologic findings could provide part of the reasons for symptoms in those who have had resolution of esophageal eosinophilia.

Related study: ES Dellon et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18: 1483-92. This study showed rapid recurrence of eosinophilic esophagitis after discontinuation of topical steroids.  33/58  (57%) had symptom recurrence before 1 year (median time 244 for symptoms). At time of symptom recurrence, 78% had histologic relapse (≥15 eos/hpf).

Related blog posts:

• New 2020 Eosinophilic Esophagitis Guidelines | gutsandgrowth
• Phase 3 Budesonide Trial
• Head-to-Head: Budesonide vs Fluticasone for Eosinophilic Esophagitis | gutsandgrowth
• Grading Treatment Response in Eosinophilic Esophagitis | gutsandgrowth
• Orodispensable Budesonide Tablets for EoE
• Surprising Findings in Prospective Budesonide-Eosinophilic Esophagitis Study
• What Happens When Topical Steroids are Stopped in EoE
• Neglibible Effect of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment on Longitudinal Growth
• What is EoE?
• EoE Update 2018 (Dr. Seth Marcus)
• Updated Consensus Guidelines for Eosinophilic Esophagitis