Epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract

In this article, the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is reviewed. Demographic features and natural history are described, the prevalence and incidence of EoE are highlighted, and risk factors for EoE are discussed. EoE can occur at any age, there is a male predominance, it is more common in whites, and there is a strong association with atopic diseases. EoE is chronic, relapses are frequent, and persistent inflammation increases the risk of fibrostenotic complications. The prevalence is currently estimated at 0.5-1 in 1000, and EoE is now the most common cause of food impaction. The incidence of EoE is approximately 1/10,000 new cases per year, and the increase in incidence is outpacing increases in recognition and endoscopy volume, but the reasons for this evolving epidemiology are not yet fully delineated.

Keywords: Eosinophilic esophagitis; Epidemiology; Incidence; Natural history; Prevalence; Risk factors.

Figure 1

Prevalence of EoE (cases per 100,000) in the United States as stratified by sex and by 5 year increments of age, in a study of an administrative health claims data. From Dellon ES, Jensen ET, Martin CF, Shaheen NJ, Kappelman MD. Prevalence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; with permission.