A STUDY has developed a predictive model for gastrointestinal (GI) lesions in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), shedding light on this serious complication and its associated factors. The findings, offer a valuable tool for early detection and targeted care.
Among 165 EGPA patients studied, 52 experienced GI involvement, and 22 had severe complications, including haemorrhage (26.9%), ulcers (17.3%), and obstruction (9.6%). Common symptoms included abdominal pain (78%) and diarrhoea (40.4%).
Key risk factors for GI lesions were eosinophilic tissue infiltration, weight loss, and myalgia. A novel nomogram incorporating these factors demonstrated strong predictive capabilities. The study also found that an eosinophil ratio exceeding 19.2% effectively identified GI lesions, while a Five Factor Score ≥2 was more prevalent among affected patients.
Interestingly, the study highlighted a unique “brain-gut” clinical pattern, suggesting a possible correlation between neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms in EGPA, warranting further investigation.
Patients with severe GI lesions showed shorter timeframes from symptom onset to EGPA diagnosis and were more likely to receive methylprednisolone pulse therapy. They also exhibited less frequent asthma and ear-nose-throat involvement compared to those without GI complications.
“Severe gastrointestinal lesions are common in EGPA and are associated with poor outcomes. Early identification using our model could significantly improve patient care,” the authors wrote.
This research underscores the importance of monitoring eosinophil levels and identifying high-risk patients to prevent severe GI complications in EGPA.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Liu S et al. Gastrointestinal lesions of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a prediction model and clinical patterns. Arthritis Res Ther. 2025;DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03467-7.
