EGJOO is a disorder in which the muscles of the esophagus (swallowing tube) do not function in a coordinated fashion so that swallowed material does not pass easily into the stomach. EGJOO often causes symptoms of swallowing difficulties and chest pain. The cause of EGJOO and its optimal treatment are not clear. The investigators research team suspects that EGJOO might be caused by an allergy that involves the esophagus, and that treatment with medications called corticosteroids might improve function of the esophageal muscles. The purpose of this study is to learn how corticosteroid therapy affects the muscles of the esophagus in patients suffering with EGJOO.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients age 18 years or older with the following clinical and diagnostic criteria will be eligible for study inclusion:
* EGJOO manometric diagnosis based on CC v4.0 criteria
* Primary symptom of dysphagia and/or non-cardiac chest pain
* Additional objective evidence of obstruction on Timed Barium Esophagram and/or EndoFLIP
* The treating physician has determined that invasive therapy (botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, POEM, or Heller myotomy) is indicated.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of prior foregut surgery
* History of esophageal botulinum toxin injection within 6 months of study enrollment
* Presence of hiatal hernia \> 2 centimeters
* Presence of esophageal mass
* Obstructing esophageal stricture or ring on endoscopy
* Reflux esophagitis (LA Grades B-D)
* Subjects on current immunosuppression or immune modulating therapy
* Chronic opioid use
* Previously diagnosed extrinsic compression of the gastroesophageal junction
* Concomitant Eosinophilic Esophagitis with uncontrolled mucosal disease who have not tried at least one standard therapy
* Contraindication to the use of oral corticosteroids
* History and/or current diagnosis of Diabetes
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Response in esophageal motility to study intervention
Timeframe: Assessed upon being on study intervention medication for 14 days