Ongoing Research: A Critical Need
Researchers at the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders are worldwide leaders in the field. Our research involves basic, clinical and translational studies to determine the reason for the current epidemic of eosinophilic disorders and to develop a cure for the disease.
Because of our growing knowledge and ever improving technology, we have an unprecedented ability to make strides in our understanding of these diseases. We are currently studying compounds that might block eosinophil production, as we strive to develop the next and best treatment for eosinophil-associated medical disorders. Read our Research Summary to see what we have learned about these diseases so far, and what we still need to learn.
Research on these disorders is undersupported by current grant agencies. A quest for a cure is only limited by this shortage of funds. Your gift can help ensure that cures will be developed in the future. To find out how you can help, contact cced@cchmc.org.
New Reflux-like Genetic Disease Impacting Families – a disease of siblings?
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) is an allergic disorder that occurs in the esophagus. Its prevalence is climbing with widespread awareness and education to families and physicians alike. In EE, the esophagus has a high count or infiltration of white blood cells called Eosinophils. Symptoms of the disorder are different depending on age, but the most prevalent are reflux, difficulty swallowing, food impactions, nausea, abdominal pain, poor weight gain, vomiting, and poor appetite. For children and parents living with this disorder, treatment options range from a restricted diet to the use of a swallowed steroid. These methods can help keep the esophagus healthy and reduce the array of symptoms.
EE can occur in multiple members of families. A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology reported that there was a familial pattern of inheritance of EE in 26 families. Prior studies have shown a sibling risk ration of over 60-fold, meaning that siblings have a great risk of co-developing EE if one sibling already has EE. Based on this, EE should be considered in symptomatic family members of patients who have EE. Further, this serves as rationale to conduct further research on siblings and twins with EE.
We are currently focusing on a genetic analysis of siblings especial twins and triplets. For more information contact Bridget Buckmeier, BA, CCRP via email at Bridget.Buckmeier@cchmc.org.
Eosinophils May Play Role in Asthma Symptoms
Cincinnati scientists have found further evidence that certain defensive white cells in the body cause or play a major role in asthma symptoms. These findings could help identify a new treatment target to help asthma sufferers. Read the full story about the findings from this research study on eosinophils. You can view the full story with photos from the American Health Center Findings in portable document format (.pdf).
Clinical Studies at the CCED
We are actively conducting research to help understand and improve patients with eosinophilic disorders. Learn more about our clinical studies.
Clinical Trials
For online information about clinical trials visit:
Participating in Clinical Trials at Cincinnati Children's
ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the National Institutes of Health, is a user-friendly site that allows patients and families to:
Search for clinical trails by condition, funding organizations (both federally funded and privately supported), location and / or names of researchers
Obtain easy-to-read, detailed information on clinical trial basics, participation in clinical trails, clinical trial terms and links to additional information
For research inquiries, send an email to Bridge Buckmeier: bridget.buckmeier@cchmc.org.
