JPGN Journaly Club March 2023: Metabolomic Profiling in Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Limitations of Abdominal X-Rays for Constipation

We are talking to Dr. Andreas Jenke — Journal Club again! Two articles of particular interest and significance from the March, 2023, number of JPGN are discussed. One examines plasma constituents in children with untreated eosinophilic oesophagitis, mapping a wide range of small molecules. The “metabolomic profile” obtained is abnormal, but will any abnormalities resolve with successful treatment? Still waiting for that shoe to drop, and a long way to go before biomarkers are identified for clinical use. Until then, repeated endoscopy and biopsy are the best that we have.  * * *  The other reports, perhaps no surprise, that neither the experience that might accompany seniority nor specific training makes physicians able reproducibly to diagnose “faecal loading” on examining abdominal roentgenograms.  Conclusion :  Don’t order this study to assess constipation, which is what ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN guidelines already state. Continuing-medical-education credits are available for reading this article and demonstrating comprehension – so have a bash at it!