Four mid esophageal biopsies were obtained from 10 cm above the squamo-columnar junction; then formalin-fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. All esophageal biopsies were read and scored by a single expert gastrointestinal pathologist. The formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded esophageal biopsies were retrieved and underwent standard major basic protein (MBP) immunofluorescence staining. All special stain slides were then read and scored by another pathologist. 24-hour urine was collected for free cortisol by the standard technique. The original endoscopy was performed before the patient was enrolled in the trial by standard clinical technique. The endoscopy post treatment was done in the clinical research unit by the principal investigator.