All posts by Mary Jo Strobel

ACG 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course in Philadelphia

In the News

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is a professional organization for clinicians who care for gastroenterology patients. APFED participates in this annual meeting by providing information about eosinophil-associated diseases to attendees, and arming them with resources to help their patients.

This year’s meeting featured more than 30 research abstracts and lectures that described study findings or case reports related to eosinophilia. We’ve included just a few highlights below, along with links to find more information.

  • Siglec-8, a novel selective target for EGIDs, is found on eosinophils and mast cells. Biopsies from patients diagnosed with EG and EoE show a significant increase in eosinophils and mast cells. Mast cells were elevated to the same extent as eosinophils in these patients. In EG/EGE mouse models, anti-Siglec-8 monoclonal antibody significantly reduced the number of eosinophils and mast cells in the stomach, small intestine, and blood compared to control models. (https://bit.ly/2E9ARAa)
  • Recent meta-analysis confirms that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage is associated with an increased risk of bone fracture, therefore, clinicians will need to weigh the risk and benefits of using these medications long term. (https://bit.ly/2RFiw0u)
  • In a poster abstract entitled, “Documenting the Journey of Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Its Impact on Their Caregivers”, researchers describe results from structured community interviews in which APFED helped recruit participants. Patients with EoE and their caregivers commonly reported the following symptoms prior to an EoE diagnosis: abdominal pain (100%), regurgitation/reflux (64%), avoiding/refusing food (64%), and vomiting (64%). Adults commonly reported pain/difficulty when swallowing food (90%), chest pain (75%), and feeling an obstruction in the throat (75%). The majority of caregivers and adult patients indicated feelings of worry or anxiety, and reported that social activities were affected by EoE.
  • Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago presented a poster outlining their retrospective chart review for adults with EoE who had undergone esophageal dilation for their EoE symptoms. The data showed that the average number of dilations per patient was 2.87 ± 2.62 dilations. The results of the center’s experience with esophageal dilation in EoE showed that dilation was a safe procedure and that the majority of strictures in EoE occur in the distal esophagus. The authors speculate that factors such as gastroesophageal reflux may influence stricture formation in EoE.

A list of all poster abstracts presented at ACG this year can be found online at https://bit.ly/2QB7FUf. Use the keyword search box to help you navigate the research terms that interest you.

To follow along with news from ACG, visit http://acgblog.org/

 

#TealPumpkinProject

Announcements, In the News, Uncategorized, What's New

Over the past four years, households around the globe have participated in the @tealpumpkinproject. APFED is proud to join @FoodAllergyFARE and other advocacy organizations in support of this national initiative to create a happier, safer Halloween for all by encouraging households to offer non-food treats this Halloween and display a teal pumpkin! Read more about the #TealPumpkinProject initiative at https://www.foodallergy.org

 

Mid-Year Progress Report

What's New

Thanks to community support, APFED has made great progress in the first half of 2018! Our donors and partners have enabled us to fund new research, create and disseminate new educational materials, and effectively advocate on behalf of all those living with eosinophil-associated diseases. We invite you to read our mid-year progress report to learn what has been achieved so far this year because of your generosity.

Every penny counts as we relentlessly seek answers, improved diagnostics and treatments, and ultimately a cure. Please consider a donation or fundraiser to support APFED’s mission, and encourage friends and family to do the same. You may earmark your entire donation to advance specific areas, such as to research or education, make a gift in honor of someone you love, or set up a recurring donation on apfed.org.

Thank you for your support!

Back to School with APFED

APFED Blog, What's New

Back to school time is almost here, and it’s time to pave the way for a successful new school year!  Did you know that APFED offers a wealth of free resources and tools online to support children with eosinophilic-associated diseases (EADs) in a school environment?

The  School Advocacy section at apfed.org serves as a toolkit for parents, students, and educators on how to navigate the school year with an EAD. We’ve developed a variety of helpful information, documents and forms to help students have a safe, rewarding experience at school. Guidance and tools are available on the following topics:

•    Section 504 Eligibility and Individual Education Plan (IEP) Eligibility
•    Accommodations for Elementary Schools and Middle and High Schools
•    Managing EAD at College
•    Frequently Asked Questions
•    Info for School Staff
•    Templates and Forms
•    Sample 504 Meeting Request and Evaluation Request

Looking for school-related videos? Visit APFED’s YouTube Channel for videos and webinars focusing on topics such as student’s rights in the school setting, accommodations, managing EoE at college, and strategies to help students self-advocate: https://www.youtube.com/user/APFED

Working together, we can help our schools keep students with EAD feeling safe and included. APFED wishes everyone a wonderful new school year!