Preliminary evidence in treatment of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in children: A case series.

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare inflammatory disorder in children. However, there is still no standard guideline in the treatment of pediatric eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

AIM

To report our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of children with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2019, a total of 22 children were diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination showed eosinophil infiltration in the duodenum [mean number of eosinophils/high-power field (HPF) = 53.1 ± 81.5], stomach (mean number of eosinophils/HPF = 36.8 ± 50.5), and terminal ileum (mean number of eosinophils/HPF = 49.0 ± 24.0). All 18 children with low eosinophil infiltration (< 14%) responded well to the initial drug treatment without relapse, while two of four children with high eosinophil infiltration (> 14%) relapsed after initial methylprednisolone/montelukast treatment. In addition, children with high eosinophil infiltration (> 14%) showed symptomatic relief and histological remission without further relapse after receiving budesonide/methylprednisolone as initial or relapse treatment.

CONCLUSION

Methylprednisolone/montelukast is still the best treatment for children with low eosinophil infiltration (< 14%). Budesonide can be considered as the initial or relapse treatment for children with high eosinophil infiltration (> 14%).