Increasing Prevalence and Incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Globally

Increasing Prevalence and Incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Globally

Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Hahn JW, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023 Jun 16.

Given reports on the rising global incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and the associated societal impact, investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide accurate estimates of its incidence and prevalence.

In a comprehensive search of multiple databases, the investigators found 40 eligible studies from 15 countries across 5 continents. These studies involved more than 288 million participants and 147,668 patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). 

The global pooled incidence of EoE was estimated to be 5.31 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.98-6.63), based on 27 studies and a sample population of 42.2 million individuals. The global pooled prevalence of EoE was estimated to be 40.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 31.10-48.98), based on 20 studies and a sample population of 30.5 million individuals. 

The incidence and prevalence rates of EoE were higher in high-income countries, males, and North America compared with low- or middle-income countries, females, Europe, and Asia. The prevalence of EoE gradually increased from 1976 to 2022, with estimates of 8.18 (3.67-12.69) cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years from 1976 to 2001 and 74.42 (39.66-109.19) cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years from 2017 to 2022.

Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE

COMMENT

The frequency of EoE diagnosis is increasing worldwide. In the appropriate setting, endoscopists should have a low threshold for obtaining esophageal biopsies to rule out EoE.

 

Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.

CITATION(S)

Hahn JW, Lee K, Shin JI, et al. Global incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis, 1976-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023 Jun 16. (Epub ahead of print) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2023.06.005)

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