title: Effects of eosinophilic oesophagitis on quality of life in an adult UK population: a case control study.
abstract: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated esophageal disease, characterized by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil predominant inflammation. Current evidence for an adverse impact on quality of life (QoL) is conflicting and there are no data from a UK population regarding QoL. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional observational study using the Short Form-36 Health Survey, Hospital Dysphagia/Odynophagia Questionnaire, and the EoE Adult Quality of Life Questionnaire to assess QoL and severity of dysphagia in EoE patients, compared to age and gender matched healthy control subjects. Data were also collected on comorbidity and medication use. Eighty-eight subjects were recruited (44 patients). Patients had higher rates of antihistamine and topical (swallowed) corticosteroid use. Physical QoL did not differ between patients and controls, although patients did report a statistically significant lower mental QoL, with small absolute magnitude of difference. Patients reported higher dysphagia scores and these were negatively correlated with both physical and mental QoL. Higher rates of dysphagia and medication use in patients may among other things account for lower mental QoL. However, a higher rate of dysphagia in patients is not associated with a reduced physical QoL. Our findings are of clinical value, particularly when a new diagnosis of EoE is made, as clinicians can reassure patients that their general physical health should not be greatly affected by the diagnosis. Moreover, it may also be useful for patients to be aware that EoE may have an impact on their mental health, but this effect is likely to be small. We therefore advocate education and reassurance in this respect for all patients at diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alexakis
authors.affiliation: Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute of Cell & Molecular Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.|Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.|Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology, Emerson's Green NHS Treatment Centre, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ainley
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chhaya
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Hayat
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Poullis
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, Tooting, London, UK.
authors.forename: J-Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D057765:Eosinophilic Esophagitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006633:Histamine Antagonists
keywords: dysphagia; eosinophilic oesophagitis; quality of life