A retrospective real-world study on the safety and efficacy of budesonide orodispersible tablets for the induction therapy of eosinophilic oesophagitis

Background: An orodispersible form of budesonide has recently been approved for the targeted treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States, following favourable results from a randomised controlled trial. This is the first dedicated real-world study exploring the safety and efficacy of budesonide orodispersible tablets for induction therapy in the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis while providing insights into its management. Objectives: The primary objective was histologic remission, defined as less than 5 eosinophils per high-powered field. The secondary objectives included histologic response (>50% reduction in peak eosinophil count), clinical remission (complete resolution of symptoms documented on clinic letters), clinical response (improvements in symptoms as reported on clinical letters), endoscopic remission (Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS) score = 0), and endoscopic response (improvement in EREFS score). The EREFS scores were calculated based on the severity and presence of rings, longitudinal furrows, strictures, oedema and exudates on endoscopic images. Adverse events and safety profiles were also recorded. Design: A multicentre cohort study examining the effectiveness of 1 mg, twice daily, budesonide orodispersible tablet induction therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Methods: Ethics approval was obtained through the Western Australia Health: Governance, Evidence, Knowledge, Outcomes system for assessment of Audit and Quality Activities. The study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Results: A total of 43 patients (29 males, 14 females; median age 39) were recruited. Forty-one patients were included in the analysis. After induction therapy, 30 patients (73%) achieved histologic remission, and 35 patients (85%) demonstrated histologic response. Thirty-nine patients (95%) achieved clinical response, and 28 patients (68%) achieved clinical remission. An endoscopic response was seen in 37 patients (90%), and 16 patients (39%) achieved endoscopic remission. No significant adverse events were identified. Conclusion: Budesonide orodispersible tablet is an effective induction therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis, as evidenced by its high histologic remission rate and favourable safety profile.