Incidence and prevalence of celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis in the UK over two decades: population-based study

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An Update on Diagnosis and Management

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), presenting with an intense itch and blistering symmetrical rash, typically on the elbows, knees, and buttocks, is a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. Though overt gastrointestinal symptoms are rare, three-fourths of patients with DH have villous atrophy in the small bowel, and the rest have celiac-type inflammatory changes. DH affects mostly adults and slightly more males than females. The mean age at onset is about 50 years. DH diagnosis is confirmed by showing granular immunoglobulin A deposits in the papillary dermis. The DH autoantigen, transglutaminase 3, is deposited at the same site in tightly bound immune complexes. At present, the DH-to-celiac disease prevalence is 1:8. The incidence of DH is decreasing, whereas that of celiac disease is increasing, probably because of improved diagnostics. In DH, the treatment of choice for all patients is a gluten-free diet (GFD) in which uncontaminated oats are allowed. At onset, most patients need additional dapsone to rapidly control the rash and itching. Dapsone can be stopped after a mean of 2 years, and a strict lifelong GFD alone is required. Dietary adherence offers an excellent long-term prognosis for patients with DH, with a normal quality of life and all-cause mortality.

Well-being and dietary adherence in patients with coeliac disease depending on follow-up

OBJECTIVE

It is not clear how follow-up of coeliac disease should be optimally organised. In Malmö, Sweden, patients are followed up by general practitioners (GP), but in Linköping by gastroenterologists (GE). The aim of this study was to investigate if there were any differences in well-being and dietary adherence depending on type of follow-up.

METHODS

All adult patients with newly diagnosed biopsy-verified coeliac disease in the cities between 2010 and 2014 were offered to participate. Data was retrieved comprising demography, laboratory analyses, questionnaires (Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale, Short Health Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Psychological General Well-being Index and Short Form 36) and follow-up.

RESULTS

In the GP cohort 39/73 patients and in the GE cohort 58/121 agreed to participate (mean age 43 and 44 years, 69 and 60% women, respectively). A follow-up to a dietician was carried out in 31% and 93% of patients, respectively (p < .001). In the GP group 28% had eaten gluten-containing food during the last 4 weeks compared to 9% in the GE group (p = .01). Despite this, no differences could be seen in vitamin or mineral levels. The questionnaires did not indicate any major discrepancies in subjective health.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the design of the follow-up physical and mental well-being were comparable. Dietary adherence was not quite as good in the GP group but follow-up in a primary care setting can still be a suitable and equivalent alternative. However, it is crucial that the dietary counselling is structured in a way that ensures dietary adherence.

Family socio-economic status and childhood coeliac disease seem to be unrelated-A cross-sectional screening study

Aim

The aim of our study was to examine whether there is a difference in coeliac disease prevalence in regard to parents' education level and occupation, and whether this differs between screened and clinically diagnosed children at the age of 12 years.

Methods

The study, Exploring the Iceberg of Celiacs in Sweden (ETICS), was a school‐based screening study of 12‐year‐old children that was undertaken during the school years 2005/2006 and 2009/2010. Data on parental education and occupation were reported from parents of the children. Specifically, by parents of 10 710 children without coeliac disease, 88 children diagnosed with coeliac disease through clinical care, and 231 who were diagnosed during the study.

Results

There were no statistically significant associations between occupation and coeliac disease for either the clinically detected (prevalence ratio 1.16; confidence interval 0.76‐1.76) or screening‐detected coeliac disease cases (prevalence ratio 0.86; confidence interval 0.66‐1.12) in comparison with children with no coeliac disease. Also, there were no statistically significant associations for parental education and coeliac disease diagnosis.

Conclusion

There was no apparent relationship between coeliac disease and socio‐economic position. Using parents' socio‐economic status as a tool to help identify children more likely to have coeliac disease is not recommended.

Classification of intestinal T-cell receptor repertoires using machine learning methods can identify patients with coeliac disease regardless of dietary gluten status

In coeliac disease (CeD), immune-mediated small intestinal damage is precipitated by gluten, leading to variable symptoms and complications, occasionally including aggressive T-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis, based primarily on histopathological examination of duodenal biopsies, is confounded by poor concordance between pathologists and minimal histological abnormality if insufficient gluten is consumed. CeD pathogenesis involves both CD4⁺ T-cell-mediated gluten recognition and CD8⁺ and γδ T-cell-mediated inflammation, with a previous study demonstrating a permanent change in γδ T-cell populations in CeD. We leveraged this understanding and explored the diagnostic utility of bulk T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing in assessing duodenal biopsies in CeD. Genomic DNA extracted from duodenal biopsies underwent sequencing for TCR-δ (TRD) (CeD, n = 11; non-CeD, n = 11) and TCR-γ (TRG) (CeD, n = 33; non-CeD, n = 21). We developed a novel machine learning-based analysis of the TCR repertoire, clustering samples by diagnosis. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) was performed to validate the classification algorithm. Using TRD repertoire, 100% (22/22) of duodenal biopsies were correctly classified, with a LOOCV accuracy of 91%. Using TCR-γ (TRG) repertoire, 94.4% (51/54) of duodenal biopsies were correctly classified, with LOOCV of 87%. Duodenal biopsy TRG repertoire analysis permitted accurate classification of biopsies from patients with CeD following a strict gluten-free diet for at least 6 months, who would be misclassified by current tests. This result reflects permanent changes to the duodenal γδ TCR repertoire in CeD, even in the absence of gluten consumption. Our method could complement or replace histopathological diagnosis in CeD and might have particular clinical utility in the diagnostic testing of patients unable to tolerate dietary gluten, and for assessing duodenal biopsies with equivocal features. This approach is generalisable to any TCR/BCR locus and any sequencing platform, with potential to predict diagnosis or prognosis in conditions mediated or modulated by the adaptive immune response. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Do gastroenterologists have medical inertia towards coeliac disease? A UK multicentre secondary care study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess if there is secondary care medical inertia towards coeliac disease (CD).

DESIGN

Group (1): Time from primary care presentation to diagnostic endoscopy was quantified in 151 adult patients with a positive endomysial antibody test and compared with 92 adult patients with histologically proven inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Group (2): Across four hospitals, duodenal biopsy reports for suspected CD were reviewed (n=1423). Group (3): Clinical complexity was compared between known CD (n=102) and IBD (n=99) patients at their respective follow-up clinic appointments. Group (4): 50 gastroenterologists were questioned about their perspective on CD and IBD.

RESULTS

Group (1): Suspected coeliac patients waited significantly longer for diagnostic endoscopy following referral (48.5 (28-89) days) than suspected patients with IBD (34.5 (18-70) days; p=0.003). Group (2): 1423 patients underwent diagnostic endoscopy for possible CD, with only 40.0% meeting guidelines to take four biopsies. Increased diagnosis of CD occurred if guidelines were followed (10.1% vs 4.6% p<0.0001). 12.4% of newly diagnosed CD patients had at least one non-diagnostic gastroscopy in the 5 years prior to diagnosis. Group (4): 32.0% of gastroenterologists failed to identify that CD has greater prevalence in adults than IBD. Moreover, 36.0% of gastroenterologists felt that doctors were not required for the management of CD.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged waiting times for endoscopy and inadequacies in biopsy technique were demonstrated suggesting medical inertia towards CD. However, this has to be balanced against rationalising care accordingly. A Coeliac UK National Patient Charter may standardise care across the UK.

Epidemiology, Presentation, and Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

The incidence of celiac disease is increasing, partly because of improved recognition of, and testing for, the disease. The rise in incidence is also due to a real increase of this immune-based disorder, independent of disease detection. The reasons for this true rise in recent decades are unknown but may be related to environmental factors that may promote loss of tolerance to dietary gluten. Strategies to reduce the development of celiac disease have not been proven successful in randomized trials, but the quantity of early-life gluten exposure has been a major focus of prevention efforts. The criteria for the diagnosis of celiac disease are changing, but in adults, diagnosis still depends on the presence of duodenal villous atrophy while the patient is on a gluten-containing diet, along with findings from serology analysis. Although guidelines in the United States continue to mandate a biopsy at all ages, some children receive a diagnosis of celiac disease without a biopsy. If proven accurate and scalable, assays that detect gluten-HLA tetramer complexes might be used in diagnosis to be made in the context of a gluten-free diet without intestinal biopsy.

Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Disease in Patients with IgA Nephropathy over Time

INTRODUCTION

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been connected with increased intestinal permeability and subclinical intestinal mucosal inflammation as well as with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease - nevertheless, the results are controversial. The prevalence of bowel diseases has increased over time in Western populations. Whether similar trend is seen among IgAN patients remains obscure. Our aim was to study the prevalence of IBD and celiac disease in IgAN patients over time.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of altogether 629 patients with newly diagnosed IgAN during years 1976-2012. Data on diagnosis of IBD and celiac disease were retrospectively collected from medical records. Further, to detect unrecognized celiac disease, IgA-class tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) were measured from serum samples taken at the time of kidney biopsy during years 1980-2012 (defined as screen-detected celiac disease autoimmunity).

RESULTS

The prevalence of IBD among IgAN patients increased over time from 0 to 4.4%, while the prevalence of clinically diagnosed celiac disease decreased from 2.6 to 0.6%. Moreover, the number of screen-detected tTGA-positive cases decreased from the 1980s to the 21st century (2.8-0.7%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IBD increased over time in IgAN patients, which exceeds the prevalence of 0.6% in Finnish general population. In parallel, the prevalence of celiac disease and screen-detected celiac disease autoimmunity decreased over time. The coexistence of IBD and IgAN is not negligible. Whether this finding is caused by the increase in the prevalence of IBD in the population or shared pathophysiology between IgAN and IBD remains a matter of further studies.

Is Peer Support in Group Clinics as Effective as Traditional Individual Appointments? The First Study in Patients With Celiac Disease

INTRODUCTION

Celiac disease (CD) is common, affecting approximately 1% of the population. The cornerstone of management is a gluten-free diet, with dietetic advice being the key to aiding implementation. The aim of the study was to assess group clinics in comparison with traditional individual appointments.

METHODS

Patients with a new diagnosis of CD, confirmed histologically, were prospectively recruited over 18 months in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Patients received either a group clinic or traditional one-to-one appointment, led by a dietitian. Quality-of-life questionnaires were completed at baseline, as well as biochemical parameters being recorded. Patients were followed up at 3 months, where adherence scores were assessed as well as biochemical parameters and quality of life questionnaires being completed.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with CD were prospectively recruited and received either an individual (n = 30) or group clinic (n = 30). A statistically significant reduction in tissue transglutaminase was noted following group clinics (mean 58.5, SD 43.4 U/mL vs mean 13.2, SD 5.7 U/mL, P < 0.01). No significant differences in baseline and follow-up biochemical parameters between one-to-one and group clinics were noted. At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between mean gluten-free diet adherence scores (mean 3.1, SD 0.4 vs mean 3.1, SD 0.7, P = 0.66) between one-to-one and group clinics.

DISCUSSION

This first study assessing group clinics in CD demonstrates they are as effective as traditional one-to-one clinics, with the added benefits of peer support and greater efficiency, with an estimated 54% reduction of dietetic resources.

Coeliac disease and noncoeliac wheat or gluten sensitivity

Coeliac disease (CD) and noncoeliac wheat or gluten sensitivity (NCWS/NCGS) are common gluten-related disorders. Both conditions can present with gastrointestinal and extraintestinal manifestations, which can be a challenge for physicians to discern between. Whilst coeliac serology and histological assessment are required for the diagnosis of CD, there are no clear biomarkers for the diagnosis of NCGS. The management of both conditions is with a gluten-free diet (GFD), although the duration, as well as strictness of adherence to a GFD in NCGS, is unclear. Adherence to a GFD in CD can also be challenging, with recent developments of noninvasive assessments, although histological assessment via duodenal biopsies remains the gold standard. The management of refractory coeliac disease remains particularly challenging, often requiring specialist input. Whilst wheat is noted to be a trigger for symptom generation in NCGS, it is unclear which components of wheat are responsible for symptom generation in this group, with further research required to elucidate the pathophysiology.

Risk of Skin Disorders in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although dermatitis herpetiformis is closely associated with celiac disease (CD), data on the relationship between CD and other dermatologic disorders have been mixed. We aimed to quantify the risk of skin disorders in patients after CD diagnosis in a population-based setting.

METHODS

Using data from all 28 pathology departments in Sweden 1969-2016, we identified patients with CD. Each patient was matched by age, sex, calendar year, and geographic region to up to 5 population controls. We calculated the risk of any skin disease and specific skin diseases using Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

We identified 43,300 patients with CD and 198,532 matched controls. After a median follow-up time of 11.4 years, the incidences of skin disease in CD patients and controls were 22.6 and 14.8 per 1000 person-years respectively (HR=1.55; 95%CI 1.51-1.58). Increased risks were present for eczema (HR=1.67; 95%CI 1.56-1.79), psoriasis (HR=1.55; 95%CI 1.43-1.68), urticaria (HR=1.52; 95% CI 1.42-1.64), vitiligo (HR=1.90; 95%CI 1.52-2.39), acne (HR=1.39; 95%CI 1.29-1.50), and alopecia areata (HR=1.78; 95%CI 1.43-2.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the general population, patients with CD are at increased risk of multiple common skin disorders, a risk that persists in the long-term.

Histopathology of Celiac Disease. Position Statements of the Italian Group of Gastrointestinal Pathologists (GIPAD-SIAPEC)

Celiac Disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the small intestine, affecting genetically susceptible individuals when exposed to gluten. Small intestinal biopsy interpretation has been the "gold standard" for celiac disease (CeD) for over 50 years. Despite today's availability of sensitive and specific serological tests, the histopathological features from mucosal biopsy play a key role in diagnosing when CeD is suspected. Such a diagnostic approach requires a multidisciplinary team to optimize both tissue sampling and interpretation via the interaction between the pathologist and the gastroenterologist. Pathologists of the Italian Group of Gastrointestinal Pathology (GIPAD-SIAPEC), together with a member (TR) of the Italian Society of Technicians (AITIC) and an expert gastroenterologist (CC), provide position statements as a practical tool for reading and interpreting the report. Moreover, a position statement was formulated about the recently described condition known as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). Within such a diagnostic setting, both the architectural abnormalities of the duodenal mucosa, namely glandular hyperplasia, and villous atrophy and the number of intraepithelial T-lymphocytes should be well highlighted. Ancillary tests such as anti-CD3 stain are useful for an accurate count of the intraepithelial T lymphocytes when CeD or NCGS is suspected. Moreover, anti-CD3 and anti-CD8 stains are recommended in patients not responding to the gluten-free diet (GFD) to confirm a diagnosis of Refractory Celiac Disease (RCeD). Diagnostic clues about the differential diagnosis of both CeD and RCeD have also been rendered.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the influence of genetic and environmental risk factors on developing gut microbiota in infants at risk of celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune digestive disorder that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals in response to ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Research shows that genetic predisposition and exposure to gluten are necessary but not sufficient to trigger the development of CD. This suggests that exposure to other environmental stimuli early in life, e.g., cesarean section delivery and exposure to antibiotics or formula feeding, may also play a key role in CD pathogenesis through yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we use multi-omics analysis to investigate how genetic and early environmental risk factors alter the development of the gut microbiota in infants at risk of CD.

RESULTS

Toward this end, we selected 31 infants from a large-scale prospective birth cohort study of infants with a first-degree relative with CD. We then performed rigorous multivariate association, cross-sectional, and longitudinal analyses using metagenomic and metabolomic data collected at birth, 3 months and 6 months of age to explore the impact of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors on the gut microbiota composition, function, and metabolome prior to the introduction of trigger (gluten). These analyses revealed several microbial species, functional pathways, and metabolites that are associated with each genetic and environmental risk factor or that are differentially abundant between environmentally exposed and non-exposed infants or between time points. Among our significant findings, we found that cesarean section delivery is associated with a decreased abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus and Bacteroides dorei and of folate biosynthesis pathway and with an increased abundance of hydroxyphenylacetic acid, alterations that are implicated in immune system dysfunction and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, longitudinal analysis revealed that, in infants not exposed to any environmental risk factor, the abundances of Bacteroides uniformis and of metabolite 3-3-hydroxyphenylproprionic acid increase over time, while those for lipoic acid and methane metabolism pathways decrease, patterns that are linked to beneficial immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study provides unprecedented insights into major taxonomic and functional shifts in the developing gut microbiota of infants at risk of CD linking genetic and environmental risk factors to detrimental immunomodulatory and inflammatory effects. Video Abstract.

Screening for celiac disease among children with overweight and obesity: toward exploring celiac iceberg

Background The coexistence of celiac disease (CD) and obesity/overweight is not unusual. Objective We investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of CD, detected by screening, among children with excessive weight gain. Methods We enrolled 200 children referred for overweight/obesity to our outpatient clinic. Medical history during pregnancy and childhood and lifestyle variables were recorded. Patients were screened for CD with total immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgA anti-transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) and IgA anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA-IgA). In subjects with positive autoantibodies, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) was performed and genetic testing for HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotypes was tested. Results CD positive antibodies (tTg-IgA and EMA-IgA) were detected in eight patients (4%); in all subjects CD diagnosis was confirmed by HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8 compatibility and EGDS. No association between CD and medical history during pregnancy and childhood or lifestyle variables was noted; however, a dietary difference was identified with those testing positive for CD also reporting a lower weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables (p=0.04). Headache was reported more frequently in patients with than without CD (p=0.04). Familiar positivity for autoimmune diseases was revealed in CD patients (p=0.01). Conclusion CD should be considered in children with excessive weight gain. Familial predisposition to other autoimmune diseases may represent a risk factor for development of CD. Even though the relationship between headache and CD is not well defined, the patients with headache of unknown origin should be screened for CD.

Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Adult Celiac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis Diagnosed in the 21st Century

INTRODUCTION

We assessed whether celiac disease-associated mortality is increased in Finland among patients diagnosed in the 21st century, given recent improvements in diagnostic and treatment facilities.

METHODS

Biopsy-proven patients with celiac disease (Marsh III) and dermatitis herpetiformis aged 20-79 years (median 50 years) diagnosed 2005-2014 (n = 12,803) were identified from the national dietary grant registry. Dates and causes of death were obtained from Statistics Finland. Overall mortality and causes of death were compared with reference individuals (n = 38,384) matched for age, sex, and area of residence (at the time of celiac disease diagnosis) selected from the Population Information System.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (SD ±3.0 years), 884 (6.9%) and 2,613 (6.8%) deaths occurred among the celiac cohort and reference group, respectively. Overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.94-1.09), mortality from all malignancies (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.96-1.27), gastrointestinal tract malignancies (HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.56-1.71), or cardiovascular diseases (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77-1.07) were not increased among patients with celiac disease. Overall, mortality from lymphoproliferative diseases (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.65-3.39) and nonmalignant digestive diseases (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.40-3.43) was increased, but HRs decreased after the exclusion of the first 2 years of follow-up (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.66 and HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.01-3.05, respectively).

DISCUSSION

The overall mortality in adult celiac disease diagnosed 2005-2014 was not increased. Mortality from lymphoproliferative diseases was increased but lower than previously reported.

Incidence, prevalence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis in England 1997-2015. A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There are few population-based studies of the incidence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis. The burden of the disease and how it has changed over time have not been fully explored. We conducted a population-based cohort study on the incidence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis in England, 1997-2015.

METHODS

From the Clinical Practice Research Datalink we included 882 patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in England, 1997-2015. The patients were followed through 2015, and we calculated the sex- and age-standardized incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis. We examined variation in incidence by sex, age, calendar year, geographical region and socioeconomic status, and incidence rate ratios were calculated with Poisson regression. We calculated all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

The overall standardized incidence rate of autoimmune hepatitis was 2.08 (95% confidence interval 1.94-2.22) per 100,000 population per year, higher in women, higher in older age and independent of region and socioeconomic status. From 1997 to 2015 the incidence doubled from 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.51-2.02) to 2.56 (95% confidence interval 1.79-3.33) per 100,000 population per year. The 10-year cumulative all-cause mortality was 31.9% (95% confidence interval 27.6-36.5), and the 10-year cumulative liver-related mortality, including hepatocellular carcinoma was ~10.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based study showed that the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis doubled over an eighteen-year period. The incidence was particularly high in older women and was similar across all regions of England and independent of socioeconomic status. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis had a high mortality.

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders

The spectrum of gluten-related disorders (GRD) has emerged as a relevant phenomenon possibly impacting on health care procedures and costs worldwide. Current classification of GRD is mainly based on their pathophysiology, and the following categories can be distinguished: immune-mediated disorders that include coeliac disease (CD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and gluten ataxia (GA); allergic reactions such as wheat allergy (WA); and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), a condition characterized by both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms subjectively believed to be induced by the ingestion of gluten/wheat that has recently gained popularity. Although CD, DH, and WA are well-defined clinical entities, whose diagnosis is based on specific diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of NCGS may on the contrary be considered only after the exclusion of other organic disorders. Neither allergic nor autoimmune mechanisms have been found to be involved in NCGS. Mistakes in the diagnosis of GRD are still a relevant clinical problem that may result in overtreatment of patients being unnecessary started on a gluten-free diet and waste of health-care resources. On the basis of our clinical experience and literature, we aim to identify the main pitfalls in the diagnosis of CD and its complications, DH, and WA. We provide a practical methodological approach to guide clinicians on how to recognize and avoid them.

Serological screening for celiac disease in adults in Japan: Shimane CoHRE study

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by ingested gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although common in Europe and the United States, cases of CD are rarely encountered in East Asia, including Japan, and its prevalence remains to be fully evaluated in a large‐scale study. We previously investigated the presence of CD in adults in Japan, which revealed a low prevalence of 1 (0.05%) of 2008 nonclinical subjects, while 1 (2.1%) of 47 symptomatic patients was diagnosed based on serology and duodenal histopathology results. To confirm those results, we conducted an additional retrospective serological screening study of adults in Japan.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 2055 adults who underwent a health examination in four local areas of Shimane prefecture in Japan from July 2008 to August 2013. As a screening test for CD, the antitissue transglutaminase IgA antibody (TTG) titer was determined in all subjects, and a value greater than 10 U/mL was considered to be evidence of CD.

Results

Of the 2055 subjects, 4 (0.19%) showed a high concentration of TTG. Although two of the four who were seropositive had died at the time of this retrospective study, none reported prominent digestive symptoms such as diarrhea or weight loss in a follow‐up survey.

Conclusions

Among a general population in Japan, a positive rate of serological tests for CD was noted in 0.19%, indicating quite a low presence, consistent with our previous results.

Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants have Decreased Celiac Disease Autoimmunity During Childhood and Adolescence

Little is known about the effect of prematurity on later development of celiac disease (CD). We conducted a retrospective analysis of real-world data examining the association between very low birth weight (VLBW) prematurity and later development of CD autoimmunity (CDA) in 3580 infants born between years 2000 and 2012 and their matched controls. At a median of 12 years, VLBW prematurity was negatively associated with later development of CDA with a cumulative prevalence of 5.9 per 1000 versus 10.3 per 1000 (P = 0.02), though more former VLBW premature infants were ever tested for CDA (48.5% vs 37.4%, P < 0.001). The odds ratio for developing CDA among children born preterm at VLBW was 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.92) as compared with matched controls. There was no difference in clinical characteristics of CDA between both groups. In conclusion, VLBW preterm infants present a decreased risk for the development of CDA during childhood and adolescence.

Incidence of Celiac Disease Is Increasing Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis that defines the worldwide incidence of celiac disease (CD) and examines temporal trends.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for population-based studies reporting the incidence of CD in the overall population, children, or adults. No limits were placed on year or language of publication. Studies solely examining at-risk populations (e.g., patients with type 1 diabetes) were excluded. Random-effects models were performed to meta-analyze sex- and age-specific incidence in the 21st century. Temporal trend analyses assessed the average annual percent change in CD incidence over time.

RESULTS

Of 11,189 citations, 86 eligible studies were identified for inclusion, of which 50 were deemed suitable for analyses. In the 21st century, the pooled female incidence of CD was 17.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.7, 21.1) (I = 99.5%) per 100,000 person-years, compared with 7.8 (95% CI: 6.3, 9.2) (I = 98.6%) in males. Child-specific incidence was 21.3 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 15.9, 26.7) (I = 99.7%) compared with 12.9 (95% CI: 7.6, 18.2) (I = 99.9%) in adults. Pooling average annual percent changes showed the incidence of CD to be increasing by 7.5% (95% CI: 5.8, 9.3) (I = 79.6%) per year over the past several decades.

DISCUSSION

Incidence of CD is highest in females and children. Overall, the incidence has been significantly rising in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century throughout the Western world. Population-based studies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are needed to provide a comprehensive picture of the global incidence of CD.

Progress in the serology-based diagnosis and management of adult celiac disease

Introduction: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development and application of serological tests used routinely in clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of adult celiac disease.Areas covered: We summarize existing scientific literature related to anti-endomyseal, anti-tissue transglutaminase, and anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies and detail the current and potential future applications of these tests in celiac disease.Expert commentary: Current serological tests in celiac disease have some of the best performance characteristics among disease-specific tests. However, in adult celiac disease, current diagnostic algorithms still rely on duodenal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. A 'biopsy avoidance strategy' has been implemented in pediatric celiac disease. Future high-quality studies will help inform on whether this approach can be implemented into adult gastroenterology services. It is envisaged that the next 5 years will see an increasing reliance on serology in the diagnosis of adult celiac disease.

Evaluation of adult celiac disease from a tertiary reference center: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

It has been observed that celiac disease (CD) is not restricted to a single type characterized by diarrhea but also has atypical, asymptomatic (silent), and latent forms. The prevalence of this autoimmune disease, which affects approximately 1% of the world, is estimated to be around 3%, including atypical and asymptomatic cases. In our study, we aimed to evaluate adult celiac patients.

METHODS

Between December 2008-2015, patients diagnosed with CD over the age of 18 years old were included in the study. Patients' symptoms at admission, frequency and type of anemia, transaminase levels, and celiac antibody positivity, and autoimmune diseases diagnosed at follow up were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of 195 patients, 151 (77.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 35.73 ± 12.19 years (range, 18-71 years). A hundred patients (51.3%) had gastrointestinal symptoms. At the time of admission, 118 patients (60.5%) had anemia, and 52 (26.7%) had hypertransaminasemia. During the mean follow-up period of 58 months (36-120 months), 84 (43.1%) of the patients presented at least one autoimmune disease, and this rate was 96.6% in individuals diagnosed above the age of 50 years.

CONCLUSION

In adult CD, resistant anemia, dyspepsia, and hypertransaminasemia are very common findings at the time of diagnosis, and the association with other autoimmune diseases, especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is high.

Current Concepts of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune skin disease that causes itchy, blistering rash, typically on the elbows, knees and buttocks. DH and coeliac disease share the same genetic background, gluten-dependent enteropathy and antibody response against tissue transglutaminase. DH is currently considered a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease, and the prevailing hypothesis is that DH develops as a late manifestation of subclinical coeliac disease. The incidence of DH is decreasing contemporarily with the increasing incidence of coeliac disease. The IgA immune response in DH skin is directed against epidermal transglutaminase, while the autoantigen in the gut is tissue transglutaminase. Granular IgA deposition in the papillary dermis is pathognomonic for DH, and is a finding used to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of choice for DH is a life-long gluten-free diet, which resolves the rash and enteropathy, increases quality of life, and offers a good long-term prognosis.

Celiac disease risk stratification based on HLA-DQ heterodimer (HLA-DQA1 ~ DQB1) typing in a large cohort of adults with suspected celiac disease

BACKGROUNDS

Patients with celiac disease (CeD) carry the major histocompatibility complex class II, HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 haplotype; the absence of these haplotypes excludes a diagnosis of CeD. While the most common and highest risk HLA haplotypes in CeD have been established, the risk profiles of the less common and equivocal HLA haplotypes need further refinement. The aim of this study was to use a large national patient cohort to further stratify the risk gradient of HLA-DQ haplotypes.

METHODS

The study cohort included 24,339 adult patients with suspected CeD and immunoglobulin (Ig)A sufficiency (total IgA ≥ 70 mg/dL) whose samples were assessed at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for HLA-DQ genotyping, total IgA, and tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-IgA. Data from a subset of the patients who had duodenal biopsies were analyzed to determine the risk gradient of CeD. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk gradient and to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for being positive to CeD serology according to different HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 heterodimers.

RESULTS

Of the 24,339 patients, 55% (n = 13,456) expressed HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 heterodimers. Compared with patients who had non-permissive HLA-DQ heterodimers, patients who had HLA-DQ2 homozygosity (HLA-DQ2.5/DQ2.5, HLA-DQ2.5/DQ2.2, or HLA-DQ2.2/DQ2.2) showed increased odds for tTG-IgA positivity (OR = 96.9; 95% CI, 58.3-147.9). Interestingly, the odds for patients who were compound heterozygous for HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ8 were similar to those for HLA-DQ2.5 heterozygotes. However, a single HLA-DQ2.2 haplotype (without HLA-DQ8, DQ2.2 heterozygous) was not associated with tTG-IgA positivity. These findings were confirmed in a subset of patients (n = 738) who had duodenal biopsies performed in addition to CeD serologic testing.

DISCUSSION

This large national reference laboratory cohort study demonstrated that HLA-DQ2.2 heterozygous is not associated with positive tTG-IgA serology, suggesting the reclassification of this haplotype as non-permissive for CeD.

Diagnosing coeliac disease in the elderly: a United Kingdom cohort study

AIM

To assess the outcomes for an elderly population with coeliac disease and to compare with younger adults with CD.

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease in the elderly has been underdiagnosed due to the heterogeneity of presentation as well as lack of physicians' awareness of CD in this population. However, the benefits of diagnosing CD in the elderly may be contentious.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed CD patients were prospectively recruited from the Coeliac Specialist Clinic at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, between 2008 and 2017. All patients had villous atrophy (VA) on biopsy with positive coeliac serology. Additionally, the patients were retrospectively recruited from 1990 to 2008 to determine the trend in elderly CD diagnostic frequency over time.

RESULTS

A total of 1605 patients with CD were recruited (n=644 prospectively, n=961 retrospectively). Of these, 208 patients (13.0%) were diagnosed over the age of 65 years between 1990 and 2017. The proportion of elderly CD diagnoses increased from 0% in 1990-1991 to 18.7% in 2016-2017 (p<0.001). Younger patients more commonly presented with fatigue (p<0.001) and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea (p=0.005), abdominal pain (p=0.019), and IBS-type symptoms (p=0.008), while older people more frequently presented with B12 deficiency (p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CD in the elderly has significantly increased over the last two decades, but elderly patients tend to present with fewer symptoms. Further research is required to determine whether a strict gluten-free diet in these patients is a necessity or a burden.

Comparative United States autoimmune disease rates for 2010-2016 by sex, geographic region, and race

PURPOSE

AIDs may disproportionately impact specific racial groups, but autoimmune (AID) prevalence information by minority racial group is sparse for many AIDs. The objective of this analysis was to supplement previously published AID prevalence rates by providing information on race rate ratios (minority race populations compared to Caucasian populations) in the United States. Preliminary to estimating race rate ratios, contemporary US-specific, health care utilization-based AID prevalence rates and female-to-male ratios were estimated and compared to previously published AID prevalence rates.

METHODS

We used a large national electronic medical record database of 52 million individuals to estimate age-adjusted direct standardized rates for 22 AIDs for 2010 through 2016 by gender, race, and US census division. These were compared to previously published estimates.

RESULTS

Female-to-male ratios were comparable with published studies. Almost all observed Multiracial AID rates were significantly higher than Caucasian rates, as well as 9 of 22 AID rates observed among Native Americans and 8 of 22 AID rates estimated among African-American patients. Regional variation was noted: highest African-American systemic lupus erythematosus rates were observed in the West North Central and South Atlantic divisions, highest African-American multiple sclerosis rates in the South Atlantic and Pacific divisions, and highest Native American rheumatoid arthritis rates in the West North Central, Mountain, and Pacific divisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial AID heterogeneity exists by race and by geographic area. An important research area is further exploring factors related to heterogeneity such as potential interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

ADOLESCENT GLUTEN INTAKE: POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN A BRAZILIAN CITY

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of gluten intake according to demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related behavioral variables in adolescents.

Methods:

This is a population-based cross-sectional study with a two-stage cluster sampling, conducted in Campinas, São Paulo, in 2008-2009. Foods containing gluten were identified using a 24-hour Recall. We calculated the prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios with multiple Poisson regression.

Results:

The study had a sample of 924 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. Among the foods assessed, 26.9% (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 25.3-28.6) contained gluten. We found a higher prevalence of gluten intake in younger individuals (10 to 14 years), as well as in subgroups of adolescents who had a higher number of household appliances, attended school, consumed fewer beans and vegetables during the week (<4 times), and whose head of the family had better education level (≥12 years of schooling). The main food sources of gluten in their diet were: bread, cakes, and cereals (30.2%), chocolate milk (14%), chicken nuggets (12.3%), and cookies (11%).

Conclusions:

The results of the study show the epidemiological profile associated with gluten intake in adolescents and could support actions aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and preventing gluten-related diseases.

Sex Difference in Celiac Disease in Undiagnosed Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A higher proportion of female vs male patients receive a diagnosis of celiac disease. Little is known about sex-based differences in the prevalence of celiac disease in undiagnosed populations. We aimed to address this knowledge gap with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases through 2017 for studies of screen-detected or undiagnosed celiac disease. Our final analysis included studies that included screening and confirmatory tests (either second serologic analysis or a small intestine biopsy) and provided information on the sex of participants. Studies were excluded if they were performed with specific, high-risk, or referral populations. The primary outcome was the percentage of undetected celiac disease among female and male patients.

RESULTS

We identified 4070 articles and analyzed data from 87. Our meta-analysis comprised data from 291,969 study participants. The pooled prevalence of undetected celiac disease in female participants was 0.589% (95% CI, 0.549%-0.629%) and in male participants was 0.415% (95% CI, 0.343%-0.487%). The risk of undetected celiac disease was higher among female than male participants (relative risk [RR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.27-1.57; P < .00001). The I² was 5% (low heterogeneity among studies). In subgroup analyses, the RR of celiac disease for girls vs boys was 1.79 (95% CI, 1.44-2.22; P < .00001; I² = 18%), the RR for female vs male blood donors was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.76-1.69; P = .54; I² = 0), and the RR for women vs men with villous atrophy was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.07-1.79; P = .01; I² = 0).

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a higher risk for celiac disease in women than men in an undiagnosed populations (identified through general population screening). The increased risk for celiac disease among girls and women should be considered for screening, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Diagnosing Celiac Disease: Towards Wide-Scale Screening and Serology-Based Criteria?

Celiac disease is one of the most common food-related chronic disorders in children. Unfortunately, this multifaceted disease is challenging to recognize and remains markedly underdiagnosed. Screening of either known at-risk groups or even the whole population could increase the suboptimal diagnostic yield substantially. Many recent guidelines recommend screening of at least selected risk groups, but more wide-scale screening remains controversial. The increasing prevalence of celiac disease and the development of autoantibody assays have also led to a gradual shift in the diagnostics towards less invasive serology-based criteria in a subgroup of symptomatic children. The main open questions concern whether these criteria are applicable to all countries and clinical settings, as well as to adult patients. On the other hand, widening screening and the mistaken practice of initiating a gluten-free diet before the appropriate exclusion of celiac disease increase the number of borderline seropositive cases, which may also challenge the classical histopathological diagnostics. Sophisticated diagnostic methods and a deeper understanding of the natural history of early developing celiac disease may prove useful in these circumstances.

Determining whether coeliac disease case-finding in primary care is better than random testing: a retrospective study

Background

Over 75% of patients (approximately half a million) with coeliac disease in the UK have not been formally diagnosed.

Aim

To determine if case-finding of coeliac disease is better than random testing in primary care.

Design & setting

A pragmatic study looked at all referrals across a 12-month period (December 2013–November 2014) for coeliac serology testing and the indications for testing across 38 GP practices in a well-defined geographical area in North Yorkshire. There was further follow-up for an additional 12 months to determine conversion of positive serology to duodenal biopsy.

Method

All serology samples sent into York Hospital biochemistry department during the study period were analysed for the indication for testing. Positive results were cross-referenced for duodenal biopsies over the following 12 months on the York Hospital pathology database.

Results

Case-finding of coeliac patients in primary care is no better than random testing of the population. Only 71% of patients with positive serology went on to have a duodenal biopsy in the following 12 months.

Conclusion

More education of the population and of primary care physicians is needed around the indications for checking for coeliac disease. It may be that primary care is not the best place to case-find patients with coeliac disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment Patterns in Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated gastrointestinal (GI) disorder driven by innate and adaptive immune responses to gluten. Presentation of CD has changed over time, with non-GI symptoms, such as anemia and osteoporosis, presenting more commonly. With improved screening and diagnostic methods, the reported prevalence of CD has increased globally, and there is considerable global variation in diagnostic and treatment practices. The objective of this study was to describe the current state of CD diagnosis and treatment patterns. A targeted review of literature from MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and screening of relevant conference abstracts was performed. The generally recommended diagnostic approach is GI endoscopy with small bowel biopsy; however, in selected patients, biopsy may be avoided and diagnosis based on positive serology and clinical symptoms. Diagnosis often is delayed; the average diagnostic delay after symptom onset is highly variable and can last up to 12 years. Barriers to accurate and timely diagnosis include atypical presentation, lack of physician awareness about current diagnostic criteria, misdiagnosis, and limited access to specialists. Currently, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only recommended treatment, which is not successful in all patients. Only one-third of patients are monitored regularly following diagnosis. Unmet needs for CD include improvements in the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis, and the development of treatments for both refractory CD and GFD nonresponsive CD. Further research should investigate the impact of education about gluten-free eating and the availability of gluten-free foods support adherence and improve outcomes in patients with CD.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Novel Perspectives

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an inflammatory disease of the skin, considered the specific cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease (CD). Both DH and CD occur in gluten-sensitive individuals, share the same Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) haplotypes (DQ2 and DQ8), and improve following the administration of a gluten-free diet. Moreover, almost all DH patients show typical CD alterations at the small bowel biopsy, ranging from villous atrophy to augmented presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes, as well as the generation of circulating autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG). Clinically, DH presents with polymorphic lesions, including papules, vesicles, and small blisters, symmetrically distributed in typical anatomical sites including the extensor aspects of the limbs, the elbows, the sacral regions, and the buttocks. Intense pruritus is almost the rule. However, many atypical presentations of DH have also been reported. Moreover, recent evidence suggested that DH is changing. Firstly, some studies reported a reduced incidence of DH, probably due to early recognition of CD, so that there is not enough time for DH to develop. Moreover, data from Japanese literature highlighted the absence of intestinal involvement as well as of the typical serological markers of CD (i.e., anti-tTG antibodies) in Japanese patients with DH. Similar cases may also occur in Caucasian patients, complicating DH diagnosis. The latter relies on the combination of clinical, histopathologic, and immunopathologic findings. Detecting granular IgA deposits at the dermal-epidermal junction by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) from perilesional skin represents the most specific diagnostic tool. Further, assessing serum titers of autoantibodies against epidermal transglutaminase (eTG), the supposed autoantigen of DH, may also serve as a clue for the diagnosis. However, a study from our group has recently demonstrated that granular IgA deposits may also occur in celiac patients with non-DH inflammatory skin diseases, raising questions about the effective role of eTG IgA autoantibodies in DH and suggesting the need of revising diagnostic criteria, conceivably emphasizing clinical aspects of the disease along with DIF. DH usually responds to the gluten-free diet. Topical clobetasol ointment or dapsone may be also applied to favor rapid disease control. Our review will focus on novel pathogenic insights, controversies, and management aspects of DH.

Evolving patterns in the presentation of coeliac disease over the last 25 years

OBJECTIVE

To document changes in the clinical features of coeliac disease (CD) at presentation over the last 25 years.

DESIGN

Observational study.

PATIENTS

802 subjects diagnosed between 1993 and 2017 at a single general hospital.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Date of diagnosis, age, sex, postcode, symptoms, haematinic deficiency, smoking status, serology, family history and autoimmune phenomena.

RESULTS

The incidence of diagnosed CD rose threefold during the course of the study, with a rising prevalence of positive coeliac serology and positive family history of CD, and a falling prevalence of symptoms and haematinic deficiencies. There was little change in the female predominance, age at diagnosis or high prevalence of other autoimmune conditions over the 25 years, and a paucity throughout of cigarette smokers, particularly heavy smokers. A cohort of patients with seronegative CD was identified who shared many of the characteristics of seropositive CD, but with a significantly older age at diagnosis and a higher prevalence of cigarette smokers.

CONCLUSION

There have been major changes in the epidemiology of CD over the last 25 years, of relevance to both our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of CD and the requirement for service provision. The implications are discussed.

The impact of diagnosis on health-related quality of life in people with coeliac disease: a UK population-based longitudinal perspective

Background

Before diagnosis, people with coeliac disease suffer reduced quality of life, which improves substantially after the disease has been diagnosed. Delayed diagnosis is common. The aim of this study was to assess changes over time in prevalence of coeliac disease symptoms/associated medical conditions, time to diagnosis, quality of life and its determinants before and after diagnosis in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was designed in 2015 and sent to 4000 individuals with diagnosed coeliac disease, requesting information on respondents’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and their quality of life pre- and post-diagnosis using the EQ-5D instrument. Data were analysed and compared with results from a survey conducted in 2006 using descriptive analyses, univariate and multivariable regression methods.

Results

The survey response rate was 40%. Sixty-five percent of respondents reported at least 4 symptoms pre-diagnosis, a significant reduction by 13 percentage points (95% CI: -16.9, − 9.4; p-value: < 0.001) compared to 2006. Pre-diagnosis mean duration of symptoms was 12.8 years (SD: 15.3), a non-significant reduction of 0.6 years (95% CI: -2, 0.8; p-value: 0.426) compared to 2006. There was a significant improvement of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.22; p-value: < 0.001) in quality of life from pre- (0.65) to post-diagnosis (0.85). Pre-diagnosis values were significantly higher by 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.12; p-value: < 0.001) than in 2006. Number of symptoms and low income were associated with decreased quality of life.

Conclusions

Undiagnosed coeliac disease is associated with a substantial decrement in quality of life. Time to diagnosis has not significantly shortened over the decade 2006–2015, but symptoms are less severe when diagnosis occurs. Harmonising clinical guidelines for intensified active case finding will help improve quality of life of people with coeliac disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12876-019-0980-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Food additives can act as triggering factors in celiac disease: Current knowledge based on a critical review of the literature

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disorder, mainly affecting the small intestine, triggered by the ingestion of gluten with the diet in subjects with a specific genetic status. The passage of gluten peptides through the intestinal barrier, the uptake by antigen presenting cells and their presentation to T cells represent essential steps in the pathogenesis of the disease. CeD prevalence varies in different populations, but a tendency to increase has been observed in various studies in recent years. A higher amount of gluten in modern grains could explain this increased frequency, but also food processing could play a role in this phenomenon. In particular, the common use of preservatives such as nanoparticles could intervene in the pathogenesis of CeD, due to their possible effect on the integrity of the intestinal barrier, immune response or microbiota. In fact, these alterations have been reported after exposure to metal nanoparticles, which are commonly used as preservatives or to improve food texture, consistency and color. This review will focus on the interactions between several food additives and the intestine, taking into account data obtained in vitro and in vivo, and analyzing their effect in respect to the development of CeD in genetically predisposed individuals.

Coeliac disease detection with an IgA/IgG-deamidated gliadin peptide based point of care test in community pharmacies

Background Coeliac disease affects 1% of the population, but 75% remain undiagnosed. Objective To conduct a case finding feasibility and efficacy study for the detection of coeliac disease in community pharmacies. Setting Six community pharmacies across Sheffield, UK. Method A prospective study was performed using a point of care test, Simtomax^® (IgA/IgG-deamidated gliadin peptide) (C-test) in pharmacies. Pharmacy customers with symptoms suggestive of or risk factors for coeliac disease were tested with the C-test. Positive individuals were referred for a gastroscopy with duodenal biopsies alongside conventional serology. People with known coeliac disease, those on a gluten free diet or those who were investigated for coeliac disease were excluded. Main outcome measure The case detection rate and the uptake rate of the C-test and gastroscopies. Results Five-hundred participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were tested with the C-test (369 females, 73.8%; age range 18–87, median 49). The C-test uptake rate was 63%, and the positive rate was 7.2% (36/500). Twenty-seven positive participants (75%) underwent further investigations, confirming three new cases of coeliac disease (0.6%). Conclusion It was feasible to use the C-test as a case finding tool in pharmacies. There was good uptake for the C-test, although the case detection rate and the test specificity were low. Based on this, the C-test has a limited role in case finding in a community pharmacy setting.

Food allergen knowledge, attitude and practices among UK consumers: A structural modelling approach

Food allergies are becoming more prevalent and affect up to 1-2% of adults and 5-8% of children in the UK. This study investigated the food allergen knowledge, attitude towards food allergens and food allergy management practices among food allergic and intolerant consumers and/or their family members and carers. Questionnaires were distributed at three major Free From events in the UK in 2017 and 2018. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used as a confirmatory technique to determine the model's validity. Cereals containing gluten, milk and eggs were the most common triggers reported by the consumers. Other trigger foods such as chocolate, garlic, maize, onions, red and white meat, spices, and fruits such as apples and cherries were also reported. Consumers demonstrated very good understanding on the severity of allergic reactions, prevention method and hidden egg ingredients. Overall, consumers were relatively good in the knowledge section. The participants were motivated in their personal allergen avoidance towards food allergens especially in checking food labels, preference for more free from product choices and handwashing. Consumers did not rely on dietary apps or social media to find out about allergen-free food products. Both knowledge and attitude did not translate into food allergy management practices. Significant correlation between knowledge and attitude was identified suggesting that as knowledge decreases, so will their attitude scores. This study suggests that targeted and systematic food allergy management topics and peer support could be used to improve consumers' knowledge and attitude to positively impact food allergen handling practices.

Epidemiology of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a common, chronic inflammatory disorder of the small intestine triggered by exposure to gluten in individuals with certain genetic types. This disorder affects people of any age or gender. Although often thought to be European in origin, it is now global in extent. Presentations are variable, from asymptomatic patients to severe malnutrition. Initial detection usually relies on celiac-specific serology, and confirmation often requires intestinal biopsy. There have been substantial increases in prevalence and incidence over the last 2 decades for reasons that are almost certainly environmental but for which there is no clarity as to cause.

Management of celiac disease in daily clinical practice

Celiac disease (CD) is the most common autoimmune enteropathy worldwide. In CD, dietary gluten triggers a T cell driven small intestinal inflammation in a subset of genetically predisposed subjects, expressing the HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 genes on their antigen presenting cells. HLA DQ2/DQ8 can bind gluten peptides after their prior modification by the CD autoantigen, tissue transglutaminase (TG2). This process leads to the activation of gluten reactive T cells, small bowel villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and intraepithelial lymphocytosis, the histological hallmarks of CD. The clinical picture of CD is extremely heterogeneous including intestinal (especially diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating) and extraintestinal (especially associated autoimmune diseases, anemia, osteoporosis) manifestations. The prevalence of CD in most parts of the world is estimated at 1:100-1:150 and its diagnosis is based on the presence of circulating autoantibodies (anti-TG2) and the histological detection of villous atrophy. Treatment is a lifelong gluten free diet but adjunctive therapies are in development. Although CD is a well-characterized disease, it is grossly underdiagnosed, despite the severe consequences of long-term gluten ingestion in CD, such as enhanced autoimmunity, refractory CD and intestinal T cell lymphoma. The aim of the presented review is to provide a clinical guide and to summarize the most recent clinical progress in CD research.

Breaking bread!

Humankind has existed for 2·5 million years but only in the past 10 000 years have we been exposed to wheat. Therefore, it could be considered that wheat (gluten) is a novel introduction to humankind's diet! Prior to 1939, the rationing system had already been devised. This led to an imperative to try to increase agricultural production. Thus, it was agreed in 1941 that there was a need to establish a Nutrition Society. The very roots of the Society were geared towards necessarily increasing the production of wheat. This goal was achieved and by the end of the 20th century, global wheat output had expanded by 5-fold. Perhaps, as a result, the epidemiology of coeliac disease (CD) or gluten sensitive enteropathy has changed. CD now affects 1 % or more of all adults. Despite this, delays in diagnosis are common, for every adult patient diagnosed approximately three-four cases are undetected. This review explores humankind's relationship with gluten, wheat chemistry, the rising prevalence of modern CD and the new entity of non-coeliac gluten or wheat sensitivity. The nutritional interventions of a low fermentable oligo-, di- and mono-saccharides and polyols diet and gluten-free diet (GFD) for irritable bowel syndrome and the evidence to support this approach (including our own published work) are also reviewed. There appears to be a rising interest in the GFD as a 'lifestyler', 'free from' or 'clean eater' choice, causing concern. Restrictive diets may lead to potential nutritional implications, with long-term effects requiring further exploration.

Identifying and improving adherence to the gluten-free diet in people with coeliac disease

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune gastrointestinal disorder whereby the ingestion of gluten, a storage protein found in wheat, barley and rye, causes damage to intestinal mucosa with resultant malabsorption, increased risk of anaemia and osteoporosis. Worldwide estimates suggest 1% of the population have CD. With no cure, the only treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Adhering to a GFD can be very challenging; it requires knowledge, motivation and modified behaviours. Assessing adherence to a GFD is methodologically challenging. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature reporting adherence to a GFD in people with CD and the methodological challenges encountered. From six studies it has been reported that rates of adherence to a GFD range between 45 and 90% in patients of different ethnicities with CD. GF dietary adherence can be influenced by age at diagnosis, coexisting depression, symptoms on ingestion of gluten, nutrition counselling, knowledge of GF foods, understanding of food labels, cost and availability of GF foods, receiving GF foods on prescription and membership of a coeliac society. To date only five intervention studies in adults with CD have been undertaken to improve GF dietary adherence. These have included dietary and psychological counselling, and the use of online training programmes, apps, text messages and telephonic clinics. Future interventions should include people of all ethnicities, consider patient convenience and the cost-effectiveness for the healthcare environment.

Rising prevalence of celiac disease is not universal and repeated testing is needed for population screening

Background

Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease is rising. We previously established the prevalence of celiac disease in healthy blood donors in 2002.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the prevalence of celiac disease and celiac disease autoimmunity has changed over time by performing a similar prospective study.

Methods

Healthy blood donors (n = 1908) were tested for tissue transglutaminase antibodies and for anti-endomysial antibodies when positive. Further evaluation followed accepted criteria for diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 32 donors had abnormal tissue transglutaminase antibodies (1.68%). Eight donors had tissue transglutaminase antibodies >3 × upper limit of normal (0.42%), two of them with tissue transglutaminase antibodies >10 × upper limit of normal, while 24 donors had tissue transglutaminase antibodies <3 × upper limit of normal (1.26%). Most of the donors with positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies <3 × upper limit of normal had negative tissue transglutaminase antibodies levels on repeated testing (18/19). Celiac disease was diagnosed in four donors with positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies, establishing a prevalence of 1.68% (95% confidence interval 1.15-2.3) for celiac disease autoimmunity and 0.21% for celiac disease (95% confidence interval 0.07-0.5%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of celiac disease in blood donors in Israel did not rise in the last 15 years, suggesting that the increased prevalence of diagnosed celiac disease is mainly due to increased awareness. As most of the donors with elevated tissue transglutaminase antibodies <3 × upper limit of normal were endomysial antibody negative and had a negative tissue transglutaminase antibodies result upon re-testing, repeated tissue transglutaminase antibodies testing is required when screening asymptomatic populations for celiac disease.

An update on the cutaneous manifestations of coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity

INTRODUCTION

Coeliac disease is a gluten-induced immune-mediated enteropathy, characterised by the expression of specific genotypes and the production of autoantibodies. The inflammatory process specifically targets the intestinal mucosa, but gastrointestinal and extraintestinal signs and symptoms can also be present. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can be diagnosed in individuals who have intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten, but do not have autoantibodies and do not suffer from lesions in the duodenal mucosa. Among the extraintestinal manifestations, cutaneous manifestations are the most common for both diseases.

PURPOSE

We conducted this review to illustrate the common and uncommon features underlying the association of coeliac disease and NCGS with cutaneous manifestations related to gluten ingestion. Areas covered: The roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the cutaneous appearance of gluten sensitivity will be discussed.