Questionnaire Survey on the Diagnosis and Treatments of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases in Asia

Abstract

Introduction: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is divided into eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and non-eosinophilic esophagitis eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (non-EoE-EGID), based on the involved gastrointestinal organs. The present survey was performed to provide an overview of the current status of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of EGID in Asia.

Methods: Responses to the questionnaire were obtained from 228 doctors at various institutions in eight Asian countries. The questionnaire consisted of 52 questions on EoE and non-EoE EGID.

Results: Responses to questionnaire were obtained from 228 doctors from eight countries. The most common participation facilities were university hospitals, followed by public hospitals, private hospitals, and private clinics. 1-10 were the most frequent patients per year in each institution for both EoE and non-EoE-EGID. The 30s and 40s are common age groups for both EoE and non-EoE-EGID. Although endoscopic findings vary among countries, 15 or more eosinophil infiltrations in high-power fields as a diagnostic criterion are used in all countries for EoE. As treatments, the prescription rates of Proton pump inhibitor, diet, topical and systemic steroids, and biologics were similar among the eight countries in EoE. Non-EoE-EGID showed a similar trend to EoE in epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Conclusion: The questionnaire survey partially revealed the current status of the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of EGID in Asian countries.

Keywords: Asia; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases; Non-eosinophilic esophagitis eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases; Questionnaire survey.