Abstract
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated allergic inflammatory disorder that is being diagnosed with increased frequency. Compelling evidence suggests the etiopathogenesis is allergic and the immune response is triggered by food antigens in most children afflicted with this condition. The literature characterization of EoE is descriptive and retrospective thus far. Our aim in collecting and analyzing data prospectively of all EoE patients seen at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital (Lurie Children's) is to better understand the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation of EoE in patients to better delineate its association with other atopic conditions including reactive airway disease, seasonal allergies and atopic dermatitis. This will allow us to better evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies used to treat patients with EoE. In addition to collecting data prospectively, the investigators will also review the charts of EoE patients and those suspected of having EoE seen at Lurie Children's. This will allow us to also gather information on control patients, not diagnosed with EoE, who may not be followed in EoE clinic.
