This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized these presentations. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well.

This is a long post –highlighting four separate talks on eosinophilic esophagitis.

PPI Use in Esophageal Eosinophilia: Recommendations from the recent AGREE conference

Glenn Furuta  Children’s Hospital of Colorado

Key points:

The term PPI-REE (proton pump inhibitor-responsive eosinophilic esophagitis) may not be needed.  PPI-REE is quite similar to eosinophilic esophagitis based on molecular and clinical features.  The main difference being that this subset responds to PPI therapy.

Characterization of CYP2C19*17 Polymporphisms Among Children with PPI Responsive EoE and EoE

James Franciosis et al.  Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

My take: This cool presentation offered a potential explanation of why some patients respond to PPIs (so called “PPI-REE”) from those with EoE that does not respond to PPIs.  This is pertinent because on a molecular basis the disease appears to be the same.  The difference in PPI-REE from EoE may be how the patient metabolizes PPI.  Those EoE patients who metabolize PPIs “extensively” are much less likely to respond to this therapy.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: Now an “Oldie” -But with increased interest and new research, a “Goodie”

Chris Liacouras  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

This lecture covered an enormous amount of material.  Here are a few slides.

Final Lecture (from November 3rd presentation):

Key points:

• Endoflip is a new tool that helps determine esophageal distensibility.  Improved distensibility indicates less fibrostenotic disease which is one long-term goal.
• Response to treatment has been correlated in improvement in Endoflip measurements.
• There are no FDA approved medications at this point for EoE, though topical steroids may be approved soon.