Variability in Swallowed Topical Corticosteroid Practice Patterns for Treatment of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Given the variety of preparations and lack of standardization of swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we sought to better understand STC prescribing practices of pediatric gastroenterologists. A 12-question survey was distributed to members of North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Special Interest Group and responses were analyzed. Forty-two of 68 physicians responded. Oral viscous budesonide (OVB) was overall first choice STC in 31 (74%) survey respondents, with OVB most frequently utilized in patients under 5 years old and fluticasone propionate in patients 13-18 years old. Nineteen types of mixing vehicles were used for OVB preparation, the 3 most frequent being sucralose, honey, and artificial maple syrup. Insurance coverage, cost, and patient compliance were most frequently cited barriers to STC use. Highly variable STC prescribing practices reported by this group highlights the need for standardization of STC treatment in EoE.