The Link Between Antibiotic Use and EoE for Mothers and Infants

Mothers and infants who use antibiotics or acid suppressants are at an increased risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in later life, a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found.

Cases of EoE have increased rapidly in incidence across many countries. “Understanding the potential risk factors for developing EoE is vital for those already grappling with eosinophilic diseases, as it can inform lifestyle and healthcare choices early on,” the team said.

The population-based, case-control study included 392 cases and 3637 controls, all born between 1997 and 2018 in Denmark. Of the study group, 68.8% were men, 31.2% were women, median age was 11 years.

Infants with any use antibiotics had a 40% risk of developing EoE. This risk doubled to 80% among infants with 3 or more antibiotic prescriptions. Mothers were at an increased risk of developing EoE when maternal antibiotic use was more during the third trimester or in the first 6 months after birth.

Similarly, any use of acid suppressants in infancy or maternity stages was linked to a significantly increased risk of EoE.

These findings provide “additional support for the judicious use of these agents in early life,” the authors concluded.

Reference:
Jensen ET, Svane HM, Erichsen R, et al. Maternal and infant antibiotic and acid suppressant use and risk of eosinophilic esophagitis. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(12):1285–1293. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4609