Monitoring Disease Control in EoE

This episode, titled ‘Monitoring Disease Control in EoE,’ features panelists discussing strategies for assessing disease activity and determining appropriate follow-up once patients with eosinophilic esophagitis are established on therapy. The expert faculty emphasize that monitoring requires consideration of both patient-reported symptoms and objective measures, particularly because patients may develop adaptive eating behaviors that can make persistent disease activity less apparent.

The panelists discuss clinical tools that can help identify subtle symptoms and behaviors during follow-up, including questions about liquid chasers, food texture modification, prolonged mealtimes, and difficulty swallowing pills. They also examine the role of endoscopic assessment, histology, and appropriate tissue sampling in confirming continued disease control. Once remission has been established, however, the panel notes that the optimal interval for repeat endoscopy is less clearly defined and often requires an individualized approach.

The expert faculty share how factors such as prior histologic response, history of esophageal stricture, treatment adherence, therapy changes, and recurrent symptoms may influence the frequency of reassessment. They also highlight the importance of regular clinical follow-up, particularly when longer intervals are used between endoscopic evaluations.

Finally, the panel explores practical strategies for maintaining communication between visits. Proactive electronic check-ins can provide opportunities to assess adherence, identify recurrent symptoms or adaptive behaviors, and uncover changes in insurance coverage or other circumstances that may affect treatment. Together, these approaches demonstrate how individualized surveillance and ongoing patient engagement can help clinicians identify changes in disease control and adjust EoE management when needed.

In the next episode, ‘Adjusting Treatment and Quality of Life in EoE,’ panelists will discuss how to approach treatment changes when disease is no longer adequately controlled and how patient priorities, disease characteristics, and treatment adherence inform next steps. They also explore the role of quality of life in personalizing long-term EoE management.