Abstract Summary/Description
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can negatively affect growth and nutritional status, especially in children. This study evaluates the effects of Dupixent (dupilumab), a biologic therapy approved for EoE, on growth metrics. We monitored the weight and height of 10 EoE patients during Dupixent treatment, comparing them to a control patient diagnosed before the drug's availability, who began treatment in his mid-20s after completing his growth phase and experienced persistent growth stunting despite symptom relief. In contrast, younger patients who started Dupixent demonstrated significant growth spurts, suggesting that early intervention may enhance growth outcomes in EoE patients. These results highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment of EoE to prevent long-term growth and nutritional issues. The study advocates for a shift in clinical practice towards prioritizing early biologic therapy initiation in pediatric and adolescent EoE patients, potentially leading to improved health outcomes in both symptom management and growth development. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and optimize treatment strategies to address the growth-related challenges associated with EoE.
