Background

What is ASPEN's Goal?

To create a non-invasive, accesible, and effective device for the early diagnosis of Eosinophillic Esophagitis

What is Eosinophillic Esophagitis?

Eosinophillic Esophagitis (EOE) is a chronic, inflamatory, autoimmune disorder of the esophagus caused by an accumulation of eosinophils.

Symptoms of EOE

Difficulty swallowing / impaction, severe pain, vomiting, failure to thrive, stunted growth, malnutrition, etc.

the body does not distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens, setting off reactions that destroy normal tissue

white blood cells for the defense against allergens

An endoscopy procedure is used to visually inspect esophageal tissue for inflammation, and to take biopsies for eosinophil counts.

Paitient presents significant symptoms
Biopsies present an eosinophil count of greater than 15
- EOE is patchy in nature, so biospies must be taken from different areas of the esophagus for accurate diagnosis.

Oral and IV Steroids to control inflamation
Acid Suppressors to reduce common causes of inflamation
Elimination Diet + Recurrent Endoscopies
- An elimination diet involves replacing solid food with a liquid nutrition formula, followed by an iterative reintroduction of solid food to find which groups cause inflammation. These groups will be avoided after recovery.