The impact of COVID‐19 on Japanese patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders during the vaccination era

Abstract

BackgroundEosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are chronic allergic diseases categorized as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and non‐EoE EGIDs. Few studies regarding the association between EGIDs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been reported. Although most Japanese individuals received the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccine, the incidence of COVID‐19 remained high in 2022. This study examines the incidence of COVID‐19 in patients with EGIDs during the vaccination era.MethodsPatients with EGIDs who visited our department between October and December 2022 were enrolled in the study. The incidence and severity of COVID‐19 prior to October 1, 2022 were determined. Patients who reported having COVID‐19 also reported their hospitalization history, intensive care unit admissions, and EGID flares. The number of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations received and treatment for EGIDs were obtained from the patients' medical records.ResultsOf 111 patients with EGIDs (65 with EoE and 46 with non‐EoE EGIDs) included in this study, 31 (28%) patients reported having COVID‐19, including 14 (22%) with EoE and 17 (37%) with non‐EoE EGIDs. Fifty‐nine (84%) patients received two or more vaccinations, and 11 (16%) patients received no vaccinations. COVID‐19 was mild in all but one patient who had moderate symptoms. COVID‐19 was not associated with EGID flares. EGID treatments and an unvaccinated status were not associated with an increased risk of COVID‐19.ConclusionCOVID‐19 was mild in patients with EGIDs and not associated with EGIDs flares during the vaccination era. There was a relatively high incidence of COVID‐19 among patients with non‐EoE EGIDs.