Comparison of Histology From a Mesh Sponge and Traditional Esophageal Biopsies in Children and Adolescents With EoE

Comparison of Histological Results Obtained From a Mesh Sponge (CytospongeTM) and Traditional Esophageal Mucosal Biopsies in Children and Adolescents With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

The aim of the present study is determining the accuracy, safety and tolerance of the CytospongeTM (expandable sponge within a gelatin capsule attached to a string) relative to traditional upper endoscopy and esophageal biopsies in older children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) to follow up on treatment changes. The findings from this study could help determine whether the CytospongeTM is a more cost-effective alternative to traditional upper endoscopy for histologic follow-up in children and adolescents with EoE.

This is a cross-sectional study in pediatric subjects comparing histologic findings on esophageal biopsies obtained during upper GI endoscopies to histologic findings on tissue samples obtained through the use of the CytospongeTM in a group of paediatric patients with a diagnosis of EoE. Subjects will swallow the Cytosponge capsule (attached to a string) several hours prior to their scheduled endoscopy for treatment assessment. An esophageal sample will be obtained by withdrawing the expanded sponge thru the esophagus. This will be sent to pathology and fixed and stained. The subject will also undergo routine upper endoscopy under conscious sedation and follow up biopsies obtained as per routine standard of care to assess current treatment for EoE. There will be a blinded comparison between the biopsies and the Cytosponge sample by two pediatric pathologist with experience with EoE. Subjects and their caregivers will also be surveyed on their experience using the Cytosponge compared to having endoscopy.

This study has been performed in adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and found that the samples obtained with the Cytosponge was equivalent to the endoscopically obtained biopspes with out having to use endoscopy. Adult subjects also preferred the Sponge over having an endoscopy. The Cytosponge was shown to be safe and effected. Even larger adult trials in screening for esophageal cancer have shown the Cytosponge is safe and effective at sampling the esophagus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous histologic diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field on esophageal biopsy and after a comprehensive assessment of non-EoE disorders that could cause or potentially contribute to esophageal eosinophilia).1
• Capable of swallowing a capsule 3 cm in length (trial with 3 cm jelly candy).
• 10 to 18 years of age.
• Male or female.
• Able to give assent or consent.
• Scheduled for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies on the same day to assess response to therapy and make decisions regarding further management.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to swallow the capsule.
• Unable to give assent or consent.
• History of esophageal stricture on either upper gastrointestinal barium study or previous upper gastrointestinal endoscopy of food impaction that required removal.
• History of portal hypertension or esophageal varices.
• History of solid organ transplantation.
• Known bleeding diathesis.
• On anticoagulation therapy.
• Known platelet count less than normal for age.
• Pregnancy.
• Need for intubation during endoscopy.
• History of previous esophageal surgery.