Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests a high burden of psychosocial comorbidities in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), although factors associated with this burden have not been explored. We aimed to increase understanding of the psychosocial burden of EoE and assess factors that are associated with disease burden. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with EoE (n = 87) recruited from a single-center, multidisciplinary pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders clinic (2019-2021). Participants (aged 8-18 years) completed validated assessments during routine clinic visit to assess EoE symptoms (Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score version 2.0), quality of life (Pediatric Quality of LIfe- Eosinophilic Esophagitis), anxiety state and trait (State-Trait Anxiety Score for Children), somatization (Child Somatic Symptoms Inventory 24), sleep disordered breathing (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire) and, in a subset (n = 35), resilience (Connor Davidson Resilience Scale). Clinical and demographic data were collected. RESULTS: Participants were at a mean (SD) age of 12.8 (3.1) years, and 26% (n = 23) were female. Shorter disease duration (6-12 months) was associated with higher symptom burden ( P = 0.03), somatization ( P < 0.01), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Score for Children Trait P < 0.01) scores. Participants with neurodevelopmental comorbidities had higher anxiety trait, somatization, sleep disordered breathing, and lower quality of life ( P < 0.01 for all). Symptom burden was significantly associated with increased somatic symptoms (adjusted β [aβ] = 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.23-0.45) and decreased quality of life (aβ = -0.42; 95% confidence interval -0.59 to -0.25) but not state anxiety, trait anxiety, or disordered sleep breathing. DISCUSSION: Pediatric patients with a recent diagnosis of EoE can experience higher EoE symptoms, somatization, and anxiety when compared with those with a longer-standing diagnosis. Patients earlier in their diagnosis and with neurodevelopmental disorders may experience increased somatization and anxiety that may warrant additional support services.