Optimizing proton-pump inhibitor therapy in paediatric eosinophilic esophagitis through pharmacogenetic testing.

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder which can respond to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Genetic variation in the metabolism gene influences PPI efficacy and adverse effects. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) can predict PPI response by analyzing genetic variation, particularly identifying patients categorized as CYP2C19 rapid or ultra-rapid metabolizers who might benefit from PPI dosage increases or changes to pharmacotherapy. Although PGx clinical practice guidelines have been established for PPI use, routine clinical implementation has been slow.

METHODS

We conducted a non-interventional prospective cohort study of patients followed by a paediatric EoE clinic between 2020 and 2023. Eligible patients underwent PGx testing, with results correlated to PPI use and histological outcomes assessed via endoscopic biopsies.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients underwent PGx testing; 20 (29%) and 5 (7%) were determined to be rapid and ultra-rapid metabolizers, respectively. PGx-based management changes were made in 44 (64%) patients. Forty-three (62%) patients completed reassessment endoscopy, of which 21 (49%) demonstrated histological remission; 17 (40%) of these patients achieved remission after PGx-guided drug changes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that PPI non-response in patients with EoE may partly be due to inadequate PPI dosing in those with rapid or ultra-rapid CYP2C19 metabolizer status. Identifying CYP2C19 metabolizer status in pediatric patients with EoE for first-generation PPIs leads to therapeutic management changes and can improve histological remission rates. Clinicians treating EoE patients should consider routine PGx testing in combination with monitoring clinical factors to guide individualized PPI therapy and optimize dosing.