Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by esophageal eosinophilia and symptoms such as dysphagia, food impaction, and heartburn. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα) and has been shown to reduce eosinophil counts in patients with EoE. However, the clinical benefit of benralizumab in EoE has been unclear.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the clinical benefit of benralizumab in EoE. Studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of benralizumab in patients with EoE were included. The primary outcome was the change in esophageal eosinophil count from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the change in clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and quality of life.
Results
Four studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 203 patients. Benralizumab was found to be effective in reducing esophageal eosinophil counts, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -2.15 (95% CI, -3.00 to -1.30). However, there was no significant improvement in clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, or quality of life.
Discussion
While benralizumab has been shown to reduce eosinophil counts in patients with EoE, this does not appear to translate to significant clinical benefit. The reasons for this are unclear, but it is possible that eosinophils are not the primary drivers of symptoms in EoE. Further research is needed to determine the role of eosinophils in EoE and to identify more effective treatments for this condition.
Conclusions
Benralizumab is effective in reducing eosinophil counts in patients with EoE, but this does not appear to translate to significant clinical benefit. Further research is needed to determine the role of eosinophils in EoE and to identify more effective treatments for this condition.
References
Kind regards F. Hillsom.
