Abstract
Background: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated oesophageal disorder causing dysphagia. Patients with EoE experience reduced QoL due to symptoms; however, this has not been assessed in the New Zealand population. The aim of this study was to assess QoL in patients with EoE in New Zealand.
Methods: This observational study recruited participants from two New Zealand hospitals. Records were reviewed to confirm diagnoses, and consenting participants completed an electronic survey, consisting of the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) score and the QoL-specific EoE (EoE-QoL-A) questionnaire score. Correlation analysis examined the relationship between the DSQ and EoE-QoL-A scores. Differences in baseline variables were assessed. Univariate logistic regression assessed the association of variables with disease activity and QoL.
Results: Fifty-four participants responded, and four were excluded due to incomplete surveys. The majority (76%) were male, and the median age was 47 years (IQR 42–58). The median DSQ was 49 (IQR 0–60), and the median EoE-QoL-A score was 68 (IQR 48–80). A reduced EoE-QoL-A score was associated with active disease (OR = 0.96,95% CI 0.926–0.995). Significant associations were found between disease activity and overall EoE-QoL-A score (r = −0.37, p < 0.01) as well as the sub-categories eating and diet (r = −0.54, p < 0.001), social (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), and emotional impact (r = −0.44, p < 0.01). The EOE-QoL-A score was higher in those on PPI (75 vs. 60, p = 0.02).
Conclusion: This study identified a decreased quality of life (QoL) in individuals with EoE in New Zealand, aligning with international literature. The increased DSQ scores suggest a possible gap in current management approaches. The correlation between the DSQ and QoL highlights the need for improved care models of care for EoE.