title: International survey on evaluation and management of eosinophilic esophagitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  : Recommendations regarding evaluation and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remain incompletely defined. This survey assesses: how providers across the world diagnose, evaluate, and treat EoE and how educational activities affect management.
  
  
  METHODS
  : A web-based survey was sent to the members of World Allergy Organization, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. A χ analysis compared responses based on personal and practice demographics and participation in educational activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Of the 200 respondents, 68.5% were from the United States. The majority were allergists, who require biopsy to diagnose EoE, perform allergy testing, and obtain follow-up biopsy after treatment. The following variables had significant differences: (1) US practitioners were more likely to test for immediate-type hypersensitivity to foods and obtain follow-up endoscopic biopsies after the initial treatment; (2) Practitioners encountering patients with EoE more frequently were more likely to ask about personal and family history of atopy, test for immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens and foods, and recommend follow-up biopsy after treatment; and (3) Practitioners who participate more often in EoE workshops were more likely to perform patch testing for foods, while attendance at EoE lectures increased EoE management confidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : Diagnostic and management strategies differ based on practice location, EoE patient load, and participation in educational activities. Practitioners who attend more EoE lectures are more confident managing EoE.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Medicine 2Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine/Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.
authors.forename: Christopher C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Shaffer
authors.forename: Gisoo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ghaffari