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Pediatric EoE not significantly associated with pollen, mold counts

Pollen and mold counts were not significantly associated with pediatric eosinophil esophagitis diagnosis, according to recent study results.

“The etiology of eosinophil esophagitis (EoE) is largely believed to be related to food allergies,” the researchers wrote. “However, recent studies in the adult population have suggested that seasonal variation in EoE diagnosis may be associated with seasonal aeroallergens.”

Researchers conducted a retrospective chart and biopsy review of 457 patients diagnosed with EoE between 2006 and 2010. Age, sex, endoscopy date, symptoms and comorbid conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema and food allergies, were included in clinical data. EoE histologic findings were determined through biopsies.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services collected pollen and mold counts every 24 hours Monday through Friday. Mold counts were greatest from April to October, while pollen counts were greatest from February to April. The proportion of monthly EoE diagnoses as a function of pollen and mold count data was modeled through a random intercept model.

Eighty-one patients (aged 8 months to 19 years; 70% male; 92% white) exhibited clinicopathic features of EoE. Ninety-eight percent of patients lived within 30 miles of the pollen or mold collection site, and 39% of those with EoE had food allergies, 26% had allergic rhinitis, 19% had asthma, and 9% had eczema.

“The proportion of EoE diagnoses compared with total esophageal biopsies … was evenly distributed throughout the year without significant seasonal variation with pollen or mold counts,” the researchers wrote. EoE diagnosis also showed no significant association with allergen count, although diagnoses occurred most often during high mold spore months.

“Results of this analysis suggest pollen and mold counts are not significantly associated with the diagnosis of pediatric EoE, implicating this as a potential difference between adult and pediatric disease,” the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: Carla M. Davis, MD, received a grant from Nutricia North America.