Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE)
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the stomach and the small intestine. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis may affect both adults and children. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea
- Difficulty feeding and/or gaining weight
- Poor growth and weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Malnutrition
- Fatigue
Associated Diseases:
- Environmental and/or food allergies in some
- May occur in conjunction with other EGIDs
Causes:
- Unknown
- Food allergies may play a role in some patients
Diagnosis:
- Upper endoscopy (placement of a lighted tube into the mouth, esophagus and stomach)
- Biopsies of the large intestine are necessary to make the diagnosis. Eosinophils causing injury on biopsy, in the context of symptoms consistent with EC
Findings:
- Endoscopy may show erosions, ulcers or irritated areas of the large intestine
- Biopsy: Eosinophils invading the large intestine. Biopsy may show chronic inflammation. No consensus recommendations on definition or diagnosis.
- Allergy testing may be helpful in some patients to identify and remove offending food allergens.
Treatment:
- Avoid known food allergens or triggers
- Systemic Steroids (prednisone)
- Elemental diet (avoid all food protein and obtain all nutrition from a special formula)
- Iron supplementation if iron deficient
- Nutritional support as needed
- Anti-inflammatory medications for the large intestine
Prognosis:
- Depends on response to treatment
- Recurrent episodes may occur
Author: Wendy Book MD, updated 9-08-2011, reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Markowitz
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