•  
  •  
 

Subject Area

Internal Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of EoE in Egyptian patients with recurrent GERD symptoms resistant to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging condition that can mimic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Its prevalence in patients with refractory GERD symptoms in Egypt remains unclear.

Methods: Our cross-sectional study included 150 patients with GERD symptoms unresponsive to conventional treatment. Patients underwent comprehensive clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with esophageal mucosal biopsy. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histopathological results were analyzed.

Results: Of the 600 initial patients, 150 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 48.3 ± 10.7 years, with 47.3% males and 52.7% females. Heartburn was the most common symptom (66.7%). EoE was diagnosed in 8 patients (1.3%). Endoscopic findings associated with EoE included pseudotrachea (75%), mucosal edema (8.8%), esophageal stenosis (30%), feline esophagus (3.8%), crêpe paper esophagus (75%), and narrow caliber (8.8%). Histologically, an eosinophil count >15 per high-power field was observed in 75% of EoE cases. No significant associations were found between EoE and age, BMI, or gender.

Conclusion: The prevalence of EoE in Egyptian patients with refractory GERD symptoms was 1.3%. Specific endoscopic and histological findings were significantly associated with EoE. These results emphasize the importance of considering EoE in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent GERD symptoms despite PPI therapy. Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications and optimal management strategies for EoE in this population.

Download

Share

COinS