EDN and Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This study aims to find simpler ways to diagnose and monitor Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) in children. EoE is a long-term condition where a type of white blood cell, called eosinophils, builds up in the food pipe, causing problems eating. Currently, checking on EoE means having many endoscopies under general anaesthesia, which can be difficult for children. Researchers are investigating whether measuring a protein called EDN in blood, urine, or saliva could show how active the disease is, without needing an endoscopy. They are also looking at the tiny living things (bacteria and fungi) in the food pipe, saliva, and gut to see if they play a role in EoE. The goal is to develop better, less invasive ways to manage this condition.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (say 'ee-oh-sin-oh-FILL-ick uh-SOF-uh-JY-tis'), or EoE for short, is a long-term condition where the food pipe (oesophagus) becomes inflamed. This happens when a specific type of white blood cell, called eosinophils, builds up in the lining of the food pipe. This inflammation can make it hard to swallow, cause reflux, or even lead to food getting stuck. EoE is becoming more common in children, and it's thought to be linked to allergies.
Currently, to diagnose EoE and check if treatments are working, doctors need to perform an endoscopy. This involves putting a small tube with a camera down the food pipe and taking tiny samples (biopsies). For children, this usually means having a general anaesthetic. Because these tests are often needed fairly regularly, particularly when treatments change, researchers are keen to find less invasive ways to monitor the condition.
This study, taking place at Trousseau Hospital, aims to find easier tests for EoE. One main focus is a protein called EDN, which is released by eosinophils when they are active. Researchers want to see if EDN levels in blood, urine, or even from a gentle brush of the food pipe can give them the same information as a biopsy. They will be collecting samples like blood, urine, saliva, and stool from children who are already having an endoscopy for suspected or known EoE. They are also looking at the 'microbiota' – the natural community of tiny living things (like bacteria and fungi) in the food pipe, saliva, and gut – to see if these play a role in EoE or could offer new ways to manage the condition.
Key takeaways
- Aims to find easier ways to monitor Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) in children.
- Investigating if blood, urine, or saliva tests could replace frequent endoscopies.
- Also exploring how tiny living things (microbes) in the gut and food pipe relate to EoE.
- Participation involves giving extra samples during a planned endoscopy.
- Hopes to create better, patient-friendly ways to manage EoE in the future.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged between 2 and 17 years old.
You might be able to take part if you are already scheduled for an endoscopy at Trousseau Hospital because doctors suspect you have EoE, or if you already have EoE and are having an endoscopy to check on your condition.
You won't be able to join the study if you have certain other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or specific problems with your food pipe like it being closed off or not relaxing properly.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 2 and 17 years old?
- Are you having an endoscopy at Trousseau Hospital because of possible EoE?
- Are you having an endoscopy at Trousseau Hospital to check on known EoE?
- Do you NOT have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or certain food pipe problems?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the extra steps for this study will happen on the same day you have your planned endoscopy at Trousseau Hospital. While you are having your endoscopy, doctors will take a few extra small samples from your food pipe using a gentle brush and four additional tiny biopsies. During this visit, you will also be asked to provide samples of blood, urine, saliva, and stool. There are no additional hospital visits or medications specifically for this study. The total duration of your direct involvement with the study is just that one day when you have your endoscopy and provide the samples. The researchers will then analyse these samples. There will be no long-term follow-up specifically for this study beyond that day.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Nutrition et gastro-entérologie pédiatrique-Trousseau HospitalVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE)?
EoE is a long-term condition where too many white blood cells, called eosinophils, build up in the food pipe (oesophagus), causing inflammation and making it hard to swallow.
Why is this study important?
Currently, checking on EoE means many endoscopies. This study hopes to find simpler, less invasive ways (like blood or urine tests) to monitor the condition, which would be much better for children.
Who can take part in this study?
Children aged 2 to 17 years old who are already having an endoscopy at Trousseau Hospital for suspected or known EoE can potentially join.
What will I have to do if I join?
On the day of your endoscopy, doctors will collect extra samples of blood, urine, saliva, and stool, along with a few extra biopsies and brushings from your food pipe during the procedure itself.
Are there any risks to taking part?
The main risks are from your already planned endoscopy. The extra sampling for the study adds very minimal extra risk. You can also stop being part of the study at any time.
How to find out more
Anaïs LEMOINE, Doctor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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