eosinophilic gastritis

Eosinophilic gastritis (EG) is a rare, long-term disease that affects the stomach. It is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and damage.

Symptoms:

• The symptoms of EG can be similar to those of other common diseases, making it difficult to diagnose.
• While there's no cure for EG, medication or dietary changes can help ease symptoms.

Causes:

• Primary eosinophilic gastroenteritis
• Drug-induced hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
• Parasitic infections

Treatment:

• Dietary management is often used to treat EG, which may include elimination diets and elemental diets.
• Steroids may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Classification:

• Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases are classified based on the involved layer of the gastrointestinal tract, such as mucosal, muscle layer, and sub-serosal types.

Prevalence:

• EG is a rare disease that affects people of all ages.
• People with EG often have other allergic conditions, such as rhinitis.

References:

• [1] Eosinophilic gastritis (EG) is a rare disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the stomach. [8][9]
• [2] The common underlying etiologic conditions associated with eosinophilic gastritis include primary eosinophilic gastroenteritis, drug-induced hypersensitivity or other allergic reactions, and parasitic infections. [2]
• [3] Eosinophilic gastritis is often treated by dietary management or steroids. Dietary management may include elimination diets, in which suspected foods or common food allergens are removed, and elemental diets in which all food protein is removed and nutrition is provided through specialized formula. Iron supplements may also be prescribed. [13]
• [4] Eosinophilic gastritis (EG) affects people of all ages. People with EG often have other allergic conditions such as rhinitis ... [12]

Eosinophilic gastritis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation and injury to the stomach caused by an abnormal accumulation of white blood cells called eosinophils. The symptoms of eosinophilic gastritis can vary in severity, but common signs include:

• Abdominal pain or fluid buildup
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty eating (loss of appetite) or swallowing
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Low levels of healthy red blood cells
• Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms are often mild to moderate in nature. In some cases, the disease may also cause more severe complications if left untreated.

According to various medical sources [1-3], other common symptoms of eosinophilic gastritis include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea

It's worth noting that the exact cause of eosinophilic gastritis is unknown, but it may be associated with other medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, sarcoidosis, and parasitic infections [4].

References:

[1] - Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea Difficulty feeding and/or gaining weight Poor growth Abdominal pain Anemia (low blood counts) Fatigue [2] - Some common symptoms of EGIDs include nausea, vomiting, poor growth/malnutrition and abdominal pain. [3] - Common symptoms include: ... This can sometimes make diagnosis difficult. A doctor will use symptoms, clinical circumstances, and visual evidence noted during the endoscopy ... [4] - Gastritis may be associated with other medical conditions. These may include HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, sarcoidosis and parasitic infections.

Eosinophilic gastritis, also known as eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, but several tests can help confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Upper Endoscopy: This test involves inserting a small tube with a camera into the stomach to examine the lining and look for signs of inflammation, swelling, or injury.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is taken from the stomach lining during the endoscopy procedure. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope for eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify peripheral blood eosinophilia, which is an elevated level of eosinophils in the blood. This test is not specific to eosinophilic gastritis but can be used as part of the diagnostic workup.

Other Diagnostic Tools:

• The Eosinophilic Gastritis Diagnostic Panel (EGDP)-18 score and the Eosinophilic Gastritis blood biomarker panel have been proposed as novel approaches to aid in diagnosis [6].
• Food allergy testing, such as skin prick testing or serum allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E testing, may also be considered as part of the diagnostic process [6].

Confirming Diagnosis:

The diagnosis is confirmed based on a combination of clinical symptoms, pathological findings on biopsy, and the absence of other diseases. The site of the lesion is identified based on eosinophilic infiltration with ≥20 cells per high-power field during a pathological specimen analysis [8].

Treatment Options for Eosinophilic Gastritis

Eosinophilic gastritis, a rare condition characterized by inflammation and scarring in the stomach lining, can be effectively managed with medication. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

• Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These medications, such as prednisone or budesonide, are often prescribed as first-line therapy for eosinophilic gastritis. They work by inhibiting the growth of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the inflammatory response (1).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms like heartburn and bloating. They may also be used to treat associated conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (5).
• Topical Steroids: In some cases, topical steroids like budesonide may be prescribed for eosinophilic gastritis. These medications are applied directly to the affected area and can help reduce inflammation (7).

Emerging Therapies

Researchers are exploring new treatment options for eosinophilic gastritis, including:

• Anti-cytokine therapies: These medications target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory response and may offer a more targeted approach to treating eosinophilic gastritis (14).
• Biologics: Biologic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, are being investigated for their potential to treat eosinophilic gastritis by targeting specific molecules involved in the disease process (13).

Important Considerations

While medication can be effective in managing eosinophilic gastritis, it's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. They will consider factors like symptom severity, overall health, and potential side effects when developing a personalized treatment plan.

References:

1. Marasco G (2023) [Cited by 17]
2. Dellon ES (2023) [Cited by 60]
3. Marasco G (2023)
4. Lucendo AJ (2023)
5. Expert Opin Investig Drugs
6. Lirentelimab Efficacy