Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: Clinical profiles and treatment outcomes, a retrospective study of 18 adult patients in a Singapore Tertiary Hospital
- Author:
Guan Wee Wong
;
Kiat Hon Tony Lim
;
Wei Keat Wan
;
Su Chong Albert Low
;
San Choon Kong
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chronic diarrhoea;
eosinophilia;
prednisolone
- MeSH:
Enteritis;
Gastroenteritis
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2015;70(4):232-237
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) can mimic
symptoms of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders but
responds well to appropriate treatment. Accurate diagnosis
is central to effective management. Data on EG in Southeast
Asia is lacking. We aim to describe the clinical profiles and
treatment outcomes of adult patients with EG in a Singapore
Tertiary Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved
archival search of patients with GI biopsies that showed
eosinophilic infiltration from January 2004 to December
2012. Patients’ clinical data from computerised hospital
records and clinical notes was reviewed. Diagnostic criteria
for EG included presence of GI symptoms with more than 30
eosinophils/high power field on GI biopsies. Patients with
secondary causes for eosinophilia were excluded.
Results: Eighteen patients with EG were identified (mean
age 52 years; male/female: 11/7). Fifteen patients (83%) had
peripheral blood eosinophilia. Seven patients (39%) had
atopic conditions. Most common symptoms were diarrhoea
and abdominal pain. Small intestine was the most common
site involved. Endoscopic finding was non-specific. Ten
patients were treated with corticosteroids (nine
prednisolone, one budesonide): eight patients (89%)
responded clinically to prednisolone but four patients (50%)
relapsed following tapering-off of prednisolone and required
maintenance dose. One patient each responded to diet
elimination and montelukast respectively. Half of the
remaining six patients who were treated with proton-pump
inhibitors, antispasmodic or antidiarrheal agents still
remained symptomatic.
Conclusion: Prednisolone is an effective treatment though
relapses are common. Small intestine is most commonly
involved. EG should be considered in the evaluation of
unexplained chronic recurrent GI symptoms.
- Full text:P020150908398975909174.pdf
