The findings of this study confirm the previously reported association between the GSDMB gene and the risk of childhood asthma.

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It is recommended to attempt vagal maneuvers as initial therapy in various types of supraventricular tachycardia. While various forms of vagal techniques have been described, a gag reflex-mediated vagal technique, to the best of our knowledge, has not been. We present a case of gag reflex-mediated restoration of sinus rhythm in a patient with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response upon transesophageal probe insertion. This case is unique due to the mechanism of vagally mediated cardioversion. It emphasizes that operators must be cautious regarding the risk of embolization of a potential thrombus from vagal-mediated cardioversion with unknown thrombus burden.

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients present with dysphagia and often suffer from esophageal food impaction (EFI). EFI can lead to life-threatening perforation, and requires emergent endoscopic intervention. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for EFI in EoE patients. Methods This is a retrospective study performed at a tertiary health-care system. Medical records and endoscopy images of EoE cases were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes including EFIs were documented. We used Zip-code median household income as a surrogate for patients’ socioeconomic status. Results A total of 291 EoE cases were included, mean age was 42 years. Most patients (65%) had classic EoE endoscopic findings including linear furrows and/or concentric rings; however, a significant proportion (47%) had findings suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as the presence of erosive-esophagitis, a hiatal hernia or Schatzki’s ring. Forty-eight patients (16%) developed one or more esophageal food impaction (EFI). The risk of EFI was less likely in the absence of furrows and/or rings; odds ratio (OR) = 0.28, 95% CI (0.11, 0.72) [P = 0.008]. Females had less EFI risk; OR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.19, 0.95) [P = 0.04]. The type of medical insurance and socioeconomic status was not associated with EFI risk. Conclusion EFI risk is higher in EoE patients with esophageal furrows and/or rings and in men. Aggressive treatment might be required in this population. GERD and EoE can coexist in many patients. Further studies are required to examine the role of the socioeconomic status in EoE complications.

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