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.
