No gender differences in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis

Introduction: Gender difference in the incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is well-known as more men than women are affected. However, knowledge of gender differences is lacking for most other aspects of EoE. In this population-based adult EoE cohort, the aim was to study if gender differences exist with respect to 1) clinical phenotype, 2) treatment response and 3) complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective, registry-based DanEoE cohort study of 236 adult patients with EoE (178 adult men and 58 adult women) diagnosed in 2007-2017 in the North Denmark Region. Medical registries were searched for patient records and pathology reports.

Results: No statistically or clinically significant differences were recorded in the phenotype regarding symptoms reported, macroscopic or histological findings at diagnosis (all p > 0.3). A comparable number of men and women were followed up symptomatically and histologically (all p > 0.3). More men than women reported "no symptoms" on proton pump inhibitor (56% men versus 39% women, p = 0.04), although the histological response was similar between genders (p = 0.4). The proportions of food bolus obstructions and dilations were comparable (all p > 0.4).

Conclusion: This study found very few gender differences. Results suggest that men and women with EoE may receive the same treatment.