title: Systematic review of outcome measures in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis treatment trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Heterogeneity has been noted in the selection and reporting of disease-specific, pediatric outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The consequence is invalid results or difficulty comparing results across trials. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess primary outcome and outcome measure selection and reporting, in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) treatment trials. As secondary objectives, we compared trial disease definition to established concensus guidelines, and the efficacy of current EoE treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL since 2001. We also searched clinical trial registries (portal.nihr.ac.uk; clinicaltrials.gov; isrctn.com; and anzctr.org.au) and references of included studies. We included RCTs of EoE treatment in patients 0-18 years. Two authors independently assessed articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. All identified primary outcomes, however, of 9 unique primary outcomes, only 2 were used in more than one study. In total, 25 unique primary and secondary outcome measures were employed for pediatric EoE treatment trials. Measurement properties and rationale for their selection was rarely provided. Uptake of consensus-based diagnostic criteria was 25 % in trials initiated after 2011. Due to the small number and heterogeneity of studies obtained, no meta-analysis of treatment efficacy could be undertaken. This SR was limited to exclusively pediatric RCTs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study confirm the need for a standardized set of core outcomes that are universally reported in pediatric EoE trials. Consistent disease definition and standardized outcome reporting will facilitate meta-analyses across similar trials and inform future clinical decision-making. Systematic review registration number CRD42013003798.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada.
authors: Tamar
authors: 0000-0001-6386-5149
authors: T
authors: Rubin
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada.
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Clayton
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada ; CARE Program, University of Alberta, Suite #1702, College Plaza, 8215 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 Canada.
authors: Denise
authors: D
authors: Adams
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada ; Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada.
authors: Rabin
authors: R
authors: Persad
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue, 3rd Floor, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada ; CARE Program, University of Alberta, Suite #1702, College Plaza, 8215 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 Canada ; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada.
authors: Sunita
authors: S
authors: Vohra
keywords: Eosinophilic esophagitis; Outcome measures; Pediatric; Systematic review; Treatment