Tag Archives: adrenal insufficiency

A Better Budesonide for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

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A recent study (S Olivia et al. JPGN 2017; 64: 218-24) examines a preprepared viscous budesonide (PVB) for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

The authors used higher doses than in previous studies: 1 mg twice a day if height <150 cm and 2 mg twice a day if height >150 cm.  Treatment period was 12 weeks.

Key findings:

  • 32 of 36 (89%) showed macroscopic remission at 12 weeks and median eosinophils count in histology dropped from 42.2 to 2.9 cells/hpf.  46.7% maintained remission (off therapy) at 36 weeks.
  • 89% achieved eosinophil count <20 cells/hpf at 12 weeks.
  • In this short study, the authors did not identify any changes in cortisol levels.

My take: A reliable composition from a manufacturer, if not too expensive, would be a big improvement for many kids with EoE. Higher doses of budesonide may be warranted in some cases of EoE.

Related article: “How I Approach the Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults” I Hirano. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112: 197-99. (Thanks to Seth Marcus for this reference). The author states that he prefers to perform a baseline assessment prior to PPI initiation.  After diagnosis, he will use PPI and if no response, advance to either a dietary approach or topical steroids (he prefers fluticasone using the diskus formulations). His goals for therapy include: elimination of esophageal eosinophilia (<5-15 eos/hpf), resolution of dysphagia, and maintenance of esophageal diameter ≥16 mm. He does advocate annual testing for adrenal insufficiency for those taking long-term topical steroids.

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Adrenal Insufficiency due to Fluticasone in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

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A recent study (MC Golekoh et al. J Pediatr 2016; 170: 240-5) shows that adrenal insufficiency developed in 10% of patients on chronic (>6 months) swallowed corticosteroid therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

Background: 58 patients with 67% receiving fluticasone and 33% receiving budesonide.  Median age: 13.7, median fluticasone dose 1320 mcg/day, median treatment duration: 4 yrs.  For budesonide, median dose was 1000 mcg/day and median age 10.7 yrs.

Key findings with low-dose ACTH stimulation:

  • Abnormal peak cortisol (≤ 20 mcg/dL) present in 15% and adrenal insufficiency (< 18 mcg/dL)  (n=6) noted in 10%
  • Only patients receiving >440 mcg/day of fluticasone had adrenal insufficiency
  • No patients taking budesonide had an abnormal cortisol level

Commentary:

  • Higher doses of fluticasone, particularly early in treatment, has been shown to have an improved inflammatory response.  However, as with asthma therapy, higher doses increase the risk of adrenal insufficiency.
  • Adrenal insufficiency can be asymptomatic but pose a risk for life-threatening adrenal crisis.
  • Strengths of study: Fairly large cohort, endoscopic/pathologic reports available, and ACTH stimulation testing which has better sensitivity than random cortisol.
  • Limitations: Lower number of patients receiving budesonide, particularly at a higher dose.  No indication of adherence.

My take: If higher doses of fluticasone are needed for prolonged period, consider screening (endocrinology consultation) for adrenal insufficiency.

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Farjado, Puerto Rico