According to an article from Healio, studies have proven that budesonide oral suspension (BOS) is a viable treatment option for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Research demonstrated that BOS outperformed placebo in terms of improvements in endoscopic, histologic, and symptom response.
BOS for EoE
This study was a post hoc analysis that focused specifically on efficacy and safety of a 2 mg, twice-daily dose of BOS. 76 patients, all of whom had EoE and dysphagia, were given either BOS or a placebo for 12 weeks. In order to best evaluate efficacy and safety, researchers utilized the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ), peak eosinophil count, and the EoE Endoscopy Reference Score (EREFS).
Results include:
- Symptom response was 68.9% in the BOS group vs. 58.1% in the placebo group
- Greater histologic response in the BOS group
- Greater combined histologic and symptom response in the BOS group
- Reduction in baseline on the EREFS was -4.1 for the BOS group vs. -2.1 for the placebo group
- No significant differences in adverse events between groups
Looking Forward
These results, combined with prior research, show that BOS is a viable treatment option for pediatric patients with EoE. This is a very positive step in the right direction for this patient population.
About EoE
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a digestive system disorder in which there are high levels of eosinophils in the esophagus. High amounts of these white blood cells typically accumulate when one is exposed to an allergen. Medical professionals have also found that some affected individuals have a high expression of the eotaxin-3 gene, so there may be a genetic component to this condition as well. Regardless of the cause, symptoms include difficulty swallowing, malnutrition, a poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, poor growth, weight loss, and food getting stuck in the throat. In terms of treatment, a change in diet has been proven to greatly improve symptoms. Doctors advise that patients avoid milk, fish, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. If one has a very severe case, they may need a liquid diet or steroids to reduce inflammation.
