Practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis.
BACKGROUND
Although consensus guidelines for eosinophilic oesophagitis have been published, it remains unclear whether gastroenterologists follow these recommendations.


OBJECTIVE
To assess academic and community practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis and to compare these practices with current guidelines.


METHODS
This was a prospective study of academic and community gastroenterologists using a self-administered online survey.


RESULTS
A total of 60% (34 of 57) of academic and 29% (38 of 133) of community gastroenterologists completed the survey. Only 24% of academic and 3% of community gastroenterologists follow consensus guidelines to diagnose eosinophilic oesophagitis (P = 0.007). A proton pump inhibitor trial or negative pH study prior to diagnosis was required by just 25% of all gastroenterologists. A majority (60%) do not use the recommended threshold of 15 eosinophils per high powered field to diagnosis eosinophilic oesophagitis. Half (51%) mistakenly require a positive endoscopic finding. For first-line treatment, about half of the gastroenterologists surveyed treat with a swallowed topical steroid (53% academic, 56% community; P = N.S.), consistent with the guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
There is variability in practice patterns for both diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Ongoing education and research concerning diagnosis and treatment are needed.
Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, 27599-7080, USA.
A F
AF
Peery
N J
NJ
Shaheen
E S
ES
Dellon
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000592:standards; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000592:standards; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005762:Gastroenterology; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors