Measurement of Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients Treated for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated esophageal condition that may lead to impairment of quality of life in pediatric and young adult patients. We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study on 40 patients between the ages of 2-21 years with an established diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. The study evaluated physical, emotional, social, and school functioning in patients undergoing treatment with proton pump inhibitors, dietary elimination, or swallowed corticosteroids. There were no statistically significant differences in total or domain-specific quality of life scores between proton pump inhibitors, dietary elimination, and swallowed corticosteroid therapy. Overall, total and domain-specific quality of life were well-preserved in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, with the highest scores reported in social functioning. There were also no statistically significant associations between clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features and quality-of-life measures.