Coeliac disease and reproductive disorders: a neglected association

Primary amenorrhea in a 17-year and 6-month old girl due to celiac disease: A case report

Introduction

Primary amenorrhea is the absence of the first menarche. There are many causes for primary amenorrhea: gonadal dysgenesis, obstruction of the outflow tract, malformations of the hypothalamus, and the suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis.

Case presentation

A 17-year and 6-month old girl was referred to our Endocrinology Clinic for the evaluation of primary amenorrhea, short stature and reduced general condition. Other than a lack of appetite, there was no past history of any gastrointestinal symptom. Her body mass index was low. The secondary sexual characteristics were at Stage 5 on Tanner score. On investigation, there was no abnormality concerning uterus and ovaries. Celiac disease antibody was highly positive, and the diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed by small intestinal biopsies. A gluten-free diet was initiated. 4 months later, the patient reached her first menarche.Celiac disease should be considered among the differential diagnosis of Primary amenorrhea.Conclusion: healthcare providers should be aware of the extra gastrointestinal manifestations of Celiac disease. Serological testing for Celiac disease should be performed for any patient with primary amenorrhea.

Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.

Celiac disease and reproductive failures: An update on pathogenic mechanisms

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine that clinically presents with malabsorption-related symptoms. CD can also be the underlying cause of several non-gastrointestinal symptoms. This review summarizes evidence on the relationship between CD and gynecological/obstetric disorders like reproductive failures. Although much has been reported on such a linkage, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, especially those underlying extra-gastrointestinal clinical manifestations. Studies conducted on celiac subjects presenting gynecological/obstetric disorders have pointed to intestinal malabsorption, coagulation alterations, immune-mediated tissue damage, and endometrial inflammation as the main responsible pathogenic mechanisms. Currently, however, the knowledge of such mechanisms is insufficient, and further studies are needed to gain a more thorough understanding of the matter.

Reproductive complications in celiac disease patients in Slovenia

OBJECTIVE

Celiac disease is associated with higher risk of infertility, recurrent abortions, and adverse outcomes in pregnancy and in puerperium. The aim of the study was to analyse the association between celiac disease and reproductive disorders in the group of celiac patients and compare these to healthy controls.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control matched study. The association between celiac disease and menstrual cycle, gyneco-obstetrical complications was assessed with a questionnaire specifically developed for the study. 144 celiac women and 61 celiac men, members of Slovenian Celiac Society, together with 71 healthy women and 31 healthy men participated in the study.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of celiac women (27.1%) had difficulties in conception of the first child when compared to healthy controls (12.7%) (p = 0.042). In addition, celiac women experienced more complications than healthy controls during the pregnancy, such as abortions or intrauterine growth retardation (p < 0.005). In our study, the prevalence of reproductive problems was not the same in celiac males and females. Altogether 2 celiac men (3.3%) reported having fertility problems, however, the difference between male cases and controls was not statistically significant (p = 0.548).

CONCLUSION

Physicians should examine women with unexplained infertility, recurrent abortions or intrauterine growth retardation for undiagnosed celiac disease. Compared with healthy women, women with celiac disease have increased risk of spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery and fewer successful pregnancies.

Maternal genetic markers for risk of celiac disease and their potential association with neural tube defects in offspring

Background

We examined the association between the maternal genotype for celiac disease‐associated variants and risk of neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods

We conducted a case–control study, using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. We evaluated 667 cases (women with an offspring with NTD) and 743 controls (women with an offspring without a birth defect). We classified women as having low, intermediate, or high risk of celiac disease based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between HLA celiac risk group (low, intermediate, high) and risk of NTDs. Fifteen non‐HLA variants (identified from genome‐wide association studies of celiac disease) were individually evaluated and modeled additively.

Results

There was no association between HLA celiac risk group and NTDs (intermediate vs. low risk: aOR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8–1.3; high vs. low risk: aOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5–1.3). Of the fifteen non‐HLA variants, we observed five significant associations after accounting for multiple comparisons. Three negative associations were observed with rs10903122, rs13314993, rs13151961 (aOR range: 0.69–0.81), and two positive associations were observed with rs13003464 and rs11221332 (aOR range: 1.27–1.73).

Conclusion

If confirmed, our results suggest that the maternal variants related to celiac disease may be involved in the risk of NTDs.

Endocrine complications of celiac disease: a case report and review of the literature

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to review recent literature regarding endocrine disorders related to celiac disease (CD).

METHODS

We describe a case report and review existing literature on the endocrine manifestations of CD.

RESULTS

CD is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intestinal inflammation in response to gluten. CD can cause a wide range of extra-intestinal complications, including endocrine manifestations. Metabolic bone disease including osteoporosis and osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and less frequently osteomalacia can be seen. In CD, fracture risk is increased by 30-40%, while risk for hip fracture is approximately doubled. The risk for other endocrine disorders, particularly autoimmune endocrinopathies, is also increased in those with CD compared to the general population. Epidemiologic data indicate the risk for hypothyroidism is 3-4 times higher among those with CD, while risk of type 1 diabetes is greater than double. Risk for primary adrenal insufficiency is a striking 11-fold higher in those with versus without CD, though the absolute risk is low. Fertility is reduced in women with CD before diagnosis by 37% while male fertility in the absence of hypogonadism does not appear to be affected. Other endocrine conditions including hyperthyroidism, ovarian failure, androgen insensitivity, impaired growth and growth hormone deficiency and autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes have also been associated with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

CD is associated with a wide range of endocrine manifestations.

Presence of Zearalenone in Cereal Grains and Its Exposure Risk Assessment in Indian Population

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a toxic metabolite of Fusarium genera that frequently contaminates cereal grains. India being a tropical country provides suitable conditions for fungal invasion to the cereals. In the absence of any regulatory limits for ZEA in India, the present study was carried out to analyze the contamination levels of ZEA in different cereal samples consumed by Indian population and its exposure assessment through intake. Out of 117 cereal samples comprising of wheat, rice, corn, and oats, 70 (84%) were found to be positive for ZEA contamination, among which 24 (33%) samples exceeded the permissible limits proposed by European Union when analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The positive samples were further validated by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. Based on the quantitative estimation of ZEA contamination in cereals and their daily consumption values, the probable daily intake of ZEA was found to be 16.9- and 7.9-fold higher in rice and wheat samples, respectively, than the tolerable daily intake prescribed by European Food Safety Authority. The presence of ZEA at high levels indicates a higher exposure risk for Indian population as wheat and rice are staple foods in India. Thus, there is an immediate need to set the permissible levels of ZEA in India to safeguard the health of 1.34 billion people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: High levels of ZEA contaminated wheat and rice samples suggest that the consumers are at a greater exposure risk. The study will help the Indian regulatory bodies to set the permissible level of ZEA in different cereal grains so as to safeguard the health of common masses. This can happen by simply adopting to European Food Safety Authority standards or depending on the consumption pattern of food and its occurrence, the new safe limit can be prescribed in India like in other Asian countries.

[Cœliac disease: a rare cause of recurrent miscarriages]

La maladie cœliaque est un trouble auto-immun associé à une intolérance au Gluten qui a pour effet la destruction progressive des villosités de l’intestin grêle. Les symptômes de la maladie cœliaque sont très divers et peuvent se produire à tout âge. Parmi ces symptômes, la maladie abortive est une circonstance rare de découverte de la maladie cœliaque. Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente ayant présenté 12 fausses couches successives dont l’étiologie a été enfin rattachée à une maladie cœliaque.

Risk of Celiac Disease in the First- and Second-Degree Relatives of Patients With Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with celiac disease (CD) are at high risk for CD and prevalence among them varies from 1.6 to 38%. The risk of having CD among FDRs if the FDR is sister, brother, mother, father, son, or daughter of index patient with CD is not known. We conducted a meta-analysis and calculated pooled prevalence of CD among FDRs, second-degree relatives (SDRs), and specific relations with index patient.

METHODS

On search of literature, 2,259 articles appeared of which 54 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Diagnosis of CD was based on standard criteria.

RESULTS

Pooled prevalence of CD was 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.3%, 8.8%) in 10,252 FDRs and 2.3% (95% CI 1.3%, 3.8%) in 642 SDRs. Pooled prevalence of CD was highest in siblings (8.9%), followed by offsprings (7.9%) and parents (3.0%). Female FDRs had higher prevalence than male FDRs (8.4% vs. 5.2%, P=0.047). While sisters and daughters of index patient had the highest risk of having CD (1 in 7 and 1 in 8, respectively), the risk was 1 in 13 in sons, 1 in 16 in brothers, 1 in 32 in mothers, and 1 in 33 in fathers. There were also differences in the pooled prevalence of CD in FDRs according to their geographic location.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled prevalence of CD among FDRs is 7.5% and varies considerably with their relationship with the index patient. The risk of CD in FDRs also varies according to gender and geographical location.

The Spectrum of Differences between Childhood and Adulthood Celiac Disease

An old saying states that ''children are not little adults" and this certainly holds true for celiac disease, as there are many peculiar aspects regarding its epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical presentations, associated diseases, and response to treatment in pediatric compared to adult populations, to such an extent that it merits a description of its own. In fact, contrary to the past when it was thought that celiac disease was a disorder predominantly affecting childhood and characterized by a malabsorption syndrome, nowadays it is well recognized that it affects also adult and elderly people with an impressive variability of clinical presentation. In general, the clinical guidelines for diagnosis recommend starting with specific serologic testing in all suspected subjects, including those suffering from extraintestinal related conditions, and performing upper endoscopy with appropriate biopsy sampling of duodenal mucosa in case of positivity. The latter may be omitted in young patients showing high titers of anti-transglutaminase antibodies. The subsequent management of a celiac patient differs substantially depending on the age at diagnosis and should be based on the important consideration that this is a lifelong condition.

The degree of mucosal damage to the small intestine and serum immunoglobulin G4 levels correlate with celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated and chronic inflammatory enteropathy, triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related diseases are a recently defined emerging clinical condition, characterized by increased serum IgG4 concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IgG4 levels correlate with the titers of intestinal antibodies and the degree of mucosal damage in CD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 41 CD patients and 28 healthy controls were included in the study. All patients underwent a duodenal biopsy and were then diagnosed with the modified Marsh classification. Blood samples were obtained for IgG4 measurements. Serums were kept at -80 °C until the analysis was carried out and plasma IgG4 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay method with a diagnostic cutoff value of 135 mg/dl.

RESULTS

The mean age of the CD and the control group was 26.8 ± 8.3 and 26.9 ± 6.2 years, respectively. The mean IgG4 levels were significantly higher in CD patients (283.21 ± 39.02 mg/dl) compared with the healthy control group (68.97 ± 15.89 mg/dl, P<0.0001). In the CD group, 27/41 patients and in the control group, 4/28 patients had high IgG4 levels (>135 mg/dl, P < 0.0001). A close correlation was found between the grade of mucosal damage, IgG4 levels, and antigliadin-IgA; the higher the grade Marsh score, the higher the measured IgG4 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In our study, IgG4 levels of CD patients were higher than normal ranges whereas the results of the control group were within physiologic limits. We also showed for the first time that there was a correlation between IgG4 levels, autoantibody, and severity of mucosal damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate IgG4 levels and mucosal damage in CD patients.

Women with celiac disease present with fertility problems no more often than women in the general population

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Studies have associated infertility with celiac disease. However, these included small numbers of women attending infertility specialist services and subsequently screened for celiac disease, and therefore may not have been representative of the general population. We performed a large population-based study of infertility and celiac disease in women from the United Kingdom.

METHODS

We identified 2,426,225 women with prospective UK primary care records between 1990 and 2013 during their child-bearing years from The Health Improvement Network database. We estimated age-specific rates of new clinically recorded fertility problems among women with and without diagnosed celiac disease. Rates were stratified by whether celiac disease was diagnosed before the fertility problem or afterward and compared with rates in women without celiac disease using Poisson regression, adjusting for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and calendar time.

RESULTS

Age-specific rates of new clinically recorded fertility problems in 6506 women with celiac disease were similar to the rates in women without celiac disease (incidence rate ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.42 among women age 25-29 years). Rates of infertility among women without celiac disease were similar to those of women with celiac disease before and after diagnosis. However, rates were 41% higher among women diagnosed with celiac disease when they were 25-29 years old, compared with women in the same age group without celiac disease (incidence rate ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with celiac disease do not have a greater likelihood of clinically recorded fertility problems than women without celiac disease, either before or after diagnosis, except for higher reports of fertility problems between 25-39 years if diagnosed with CD. These findings should assure most women with celiac disease that they do not have an increased risk for fertility problems.

Results from ad hoc and routinely collected data among celiac women with infertility or pregnancy related disorders: Italy, 2001-2011

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune illness triggered by gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. Worldwide, CD prevalence is approximately 1%. Several studies suggest a higher prevalence of undiagnosed CD in patients with infertility. We described reproductive disorders and assessed the frequency of hospital admissions for infertility among celiac women aged 15–49. We conducted two surveys enrolling a convenient sample of celiac women, residing in Apulia or in Basilicata (Italy). Moreover, we selected hospital discharge records (HDRs) of celiac women and women with an exemption for CD, and matched the lists with HDRs for reproductive disorders. In the surveys we included 91 celiac women; 61.5% of them reported menstrual cycle disorders. 47/91 reported at least one pregnancy and 70.2% of them reported problems during pregnancy. From the HDRs and the registry of exemption, we selected 4,070 women with CD; the proportion of women hospitalized for infertility was higher among celiac women than among resident women in childbearing age (1.2% versus 0.2%). Our findings highlight a higher prevalence of reproductive disorders among celiac women than in the general population suggesting that clinicians might consider testing for CD women presenting with pregnancy disorders or infertility.

Levels of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase during pregnancy are associated with reduced fetal weight and birth weight

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Celiac disease in pregnant women has been associated with poor growth of the fetus, but little is known about how the level of celiac disease affects fetal growth or birth outcomes. We assessed the associations between levels of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG, a marker of celiac disease) and fetal growth and birth outcomes for pregnant women.

METHODS

We performed a population-based prospective birth cohort study of 7046 pregnant women. Serum samples were collected during the second trimester of pregnancy and analyzed for levels of anti-tTG. Based on these levels, the women were categorized into 3 groups: negative anti-tTG (≤0.79 U/mL; n = 6702), intermediate anti-tTG (0.8 to ≤6 U/mL; n = 308), or positive anti-tTG (>6 U/mL; n = 36). Data on fetal growth and birth outcomes were collected from ultrasound measurements and medical records.

RESULTS

Fetuses of women in the positive anti-tTG group weighed 16 g less than those of women in the negative anti-tTG group (95% confidence interval [CI], -32 to -1 g) during the second trimester and weighed 74 g less (95% CI, -140 to -8 g) during the third trimester. Newborns of women in the intermediate and positive anti-tTG groups weighed 53 g (95% CI, -106 to -1 g) and 159 g (95% CI, -316 to -1 g) less at birth, respectively, than those of women in the negative anti-tTG group. The reduction in birth weight in offspring of mothers in the intermediate anti-tTG group was 2-fold greater among mothers who carried HLA-DQ2 or -DQ8 than among those without HLA-DQ2 or -DQ8.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of anti-tTG in pregnant women are inversely associated with fetal growth. Growth was reduced to the greatest extent in fetuses of women with the highest levels of anti-tTG (>6 U/mL). Birth weight was also reduced in women with intermediate levels of anti-tTG (0.8 to ≤6 U/mL) and further reduced in those carrying HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8.

Prevalence of coeliac disease in healthy blood donors: a study from north India

BACKGROUND

Blood donor screening can help predict prevalence of coeliac disease in population.

METHODS

Between December 2010 and June 2011, healthy blood donors were screened using anti-tissue glutaminase antibodies. Those positive underwent duodenoscopy. Their age, gender, body mass index and haemoglobin and histological changes were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 1610 blood donors screened, 1581 (98.2%) were males. The mean age of donors was 31.51 ± 9.66 years and the mean body mass index was 22.12 ± 4.24 kg/m(2). Nine (0.56%) men were seropositive. Endoscopic features included reduced fold height (9), scalloping (8), grooving (7) and mosaic mucosal pattern (3). Eight had Marsh IIIa changes whilst one had IIIb change. The prevalence of coeliac disease was 1:179 (0.56%, 95% confidence interval 1/366-1/91, 0.27-1.1%). None of the 9 patients had any symptoms. Their mean haemoglobin and body-mass index was similar to rest of the cohort.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of coeliac disease amongst apparently healthy blood donors was 1:179 (0.56%).

Usefulness of tissue transglutaminase type 2 antibodies in early pregnancy

Celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disease triggered by dietary gluten, is a multi-systemic disorder that primarily results in mucosal damage of the small intestine. Reproductive disorders and pregnancy complications have been associated with CD. Conflicting results have been published concerning CD and the risk of impaired fetal growth with reduced birthweight. The aim of our multicentric, perspective, case-control study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed CD in mothers of small for gestational age (SGA) newborns in two regions of Italy. The study included 480 mothers: group A consisted of 284 SGA newborns' mothers and group B consisted of 196 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns' mothers. Tissue transglutaminase type 2 antibodies (TG2) IgA and IgG were measured in blood samples. We diagnosed two new cases of CD in asymptomatic mothers. It may be appropriate to include the TG2 to the panel of prenatal blood test.

Screening for unrecognized coeliac disease in subfertile couples

OBJECTIVE

Subfertility has been reported as a long-term complication of unrecognized and/or untreated coeliac disease (CD); however, the results from studies on this topic are ambiguous. We aimed to determine the prevalence of unrecognized CD in subfertile male-female couples visiting a fertility clinic compared with the general population.

METHODS

Subjects included 1038 male-female couples (n = 2076) who visited the fertility clinic of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands between 2003 and 2009. All consecutive patients were routinely, serologically screened, and those with positive test results for antibodies against IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase type 2 and IgA endomysial antibodies were considered to have unrecognized CD. Clinical data on gender, age, height, weight, diagnosis of subfertility, and previously diagnosed CD were collected from the clinical files. Subsequently, after serological screening, all patients were anonymized. The prevalence of unrecognized CD was compared with the one in the general adult population in the Netherlands (0.35%).

RESULTS

The prevalence of unrecognized CD in subfertile male-female couples was 0.48% (10/2076; 6 females and 4 males) and was not significantly more frequent compared with the general population. Compared with the control group, similar CD prevalences were found within the different subfertility categories separately: unexplained subfertility, anovulation, tubal pathology, and male factor (p = NS).

CONCLUSION

In our large study cohort of subfertile male-female couples, the prevalence of unrecognized CD is comparable to the general population in the Netherlands. No association was observed between CD and subfertility in the different subfertility categories and genders.

Polymorphic variants of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism in celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a polygenic chronic enteropathy conferring an increased risk for various nutrient deficiency states. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a frequent finding in CD and may be related to the development of venous thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, and stroke in untreated CD patients. Recently, a possible excess in the frequency of the MTHFR c.677C>T (rs1801133) gene variant in CD patients was reported. The purpose of this study was to determine if there exist differences in the distribution of polymorphic variants of genes involved in homocysteine/methyl group metabolism between CD patients and the general population. A set of 10 gene polymorphisms (MTHFR rs1801133, MTR rs1805087, MTHFD1 rs2236225, MTRR rs1801394, CBS 844ins68, BHMT1 rs7356530 and rs3733890, BHMT2 rs526264 and rs625879, and TCN2 rs1801198) was tested in 134 patients with CD and 160 matched healthy controls. The frequency of the MTR rs1805087 GG genotype in CD patients was lower than in controls (0.01 and 0.06, respectively), although statistical significance was not achieved (P = 0.06). For the other analyzed polymorphisms, there was no evidence of difference in both allelic and genotypic distribution between cases and controls. The exhaustive Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction analysis revealed no combination of interactive polymorphisms predicting the incidence of CD. In contrast to the well-documented clinical observations of increased risks of vascular disease in patients with longstanding untreated CD, in our group of patients no significant association with CD was found for all tested polymorphic variants of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism. These findings should be replicated in studies with a larger sample size.

Risk of tuberculosis in a large sample of patients with coeliac disease--a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Research suggests a positive association between coeliac disease and tuberculosis (TB), but that research has often been limited to in-patients and small sample size. We examined the relationship between TB and coeliac disease.

AIM

To examine the association of TB and coeliac disease.

METHODS

We collected biopsy data from all pathology departments in Sweden (n=28) to identify individuals who were diagnosed with coeliac disease between 1969 and 2007 (Marsh 3: villous atrophy; n=29,026 unique individuals). Population-based sex- and age-matched controls were selected from the Total Population Register. Using Cox regression, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for TB from data in the Swedish national health registers.

RESULTS

Individuals with coeliac disease were at increased risk of TB (HR=2.0; 95% CI=1.3-3.0) (during follow-up, 31 individuals with coeliac disease and 74 reference individuals had a diagnosis of TB). The absolute risk of TB in patients with coeliac disease was 10/100,000 person-years with an excess risk of 5/100,000. Risk estimates were the highest in the first year. Restricting our outcome to a diagnosis of TB confirmed by (I) a record of TB medication (HR=2.9; 95% CI=1.0-8.3), (II) data in the National Surveillance System for Infectious Diseases in Sweden (HR=2.6; 95% CI=1.3-5.2) or (III) positive TB cultivation (HR=3.3; 95% CI=1.6-6.8) increased risk estimates. The positive association between coeliac disease and TB was also observed before the coeliac disease diagnosis (odds ratio=1.6; 95% CI=1.2-2.1).

CONCLUSION

We found a moderately increased risk of tuberculosis in patients with coeliac disease.

Celiac disease is not a risk factor for infertility in men

OBJECTIVE

To examine fertility in men with biopsy-verified celiac disease (CD) in light of research that suggests that men with CD have impaired sperm quality.

DESIGN

Using multinomial logistic regression and Cox regression, we estimated the fertility of the study group compared with that of 31,677 age-matched reference male controls.

SETTING

Sweden.

PATIENT(S)

Swedish nationwide population-based cohort of 7,121 men with CD (defined according to duodenal-jejunal biopsy data with [Marsh III] villous atrophy) ages 18-54 years at some point before the end of follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Number of children according to the Swedish Multi-Generation Register.

RESULT(S)

During follow-up, men with CD had 9,935 children compared with 42,245 among controls. Adjusting for age, calendar period, and parity and stratifying by education, the overall fertility hazard ratio in the men with biopsy-verified CD was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.04).

CONCLUSION(S)

This study found a normal fertility in men with diagnosed CD.

Reproductive life disorders in Italian celiac women. A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to explore the association between celiac disease and menstrual cycle, gestation and puerperal disorders.

METHODS

The association between celiac disease and menstrual cycle, gestation and puerperal disorders in a sample of 62 childbearing age women (15-49 age) was assessed within an age and town of residence matched case-control study conducted in 2008. Main outcome measures were the presence of one or more disorders in menstrual cycle and the presence of one or more complication during pregnancy.

RESULTS

62 celiac women (median age: 31.5, range: 17-49) and 186 healthy control (median age: 32.5, range: 15-49) were interviewed. A higher percentage of menstrual cycle disorders has been observed in celiac women. 19.4% frequency of amenorrhea was reported among celiac women versus 2.2% among healthy controls (OR = 33, 95% CI = 7.17-151.8;, p = 0.000). An association has been observed between celiac disease and oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and metrorrhagia (p < 0.05). The likelihood of having at least one complication during pregnancy has been estimated to be at least four times higher in celiac women than in healthy women (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 2-8.6, p = 0.000). A significant correlation has emerged for celiac disease and threatened abortion, gestational hypertension, placenta abruption, severe anaemia, uterine hyperkinesia, intrauterine growth restriction (p < 0.001). A shorter gestation has on average been observed in celiac women together with a lower birth weight of celiac women babies (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of a significant correlation between celiac disease and reproductive disorders could suggest to consider celiac disease diagnostic procedures (serological screening) in women affected by these disorders.

Health and life style among infertile men and women

OBJECTIVE

Lifetime prevalence of infertility among couples is approximately 10-15%, but studies addressing their health behavior are few. Our aim was to describe health and life style of Finnish men and women who had experienced infertility.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Finland.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Data from a population-based survey (n=7021) was utilized. Life style of infertile men (n=289) and women (n=155) were compared to other men and fertile women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Life style (dietary factors, use of alcohol, physical activity), reproductive factors, other diseases and symptoms.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, area and education, infertile women under 50 years consumed more polyunsaturated fat (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03-1.46), less saturated fat (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92) and had experienced more hangovers during previous year (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.05) than fertile women. Infertile men under 50 years consumed more total fat (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), polyunsaturated fat (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.37) and monounsaturated fat (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.28) compared to other men. Infertile men did not consume more alcohol nor smoke more cigarettes but reported more often allergies than fertile men. Infertile women also had Chlamydia trachomatis infection, benign tumor in their uterus and intestinal disease more often than fertile women. Infertile women over 50 years were more often current smokers than fertile women, but the differences in other age-groups were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with infertility experience reported more diseases and less use of oral contraceptives than other women, possibly reflecting reasons to infertility. Since both infertility and unhealthy use of alcohol are an increasing public health issues in western societies, more attention should be paid towards life style, especially alcohol use of infertile women.

Coeliac disease and reproductive disorders

Reproductive problems, such as delayed menarche, amenorrhea, early menopause, infertility, impotence, hypogonadism, recurrent abortions, and low-birth-weight or preterm deliveries, are now known to be among the atypical symptoms of coeliac disease (CD). The pathogenesis of reproductive disorders in CD is unclear, but some hypotheses have been suggested, including autoimmunity and macro- and/or micronutrient deficiency. Recent investigations which have focused on tissue transglutaminase are promising with respect to the clarification of the mechanism of infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes in CD. In this review, the effects of CD on male and female reproductive disorders and pregnancy outcomes are discussed and the need for CD screening in the case of reproductive problems is emphasized.

Reproductive ecology and the endometrium: physiology, variation, and new directions

Endometrial function is often overlooked in the study of fertility in reproductive ecology, but it is crucial to implantation and the support of a successful pregnancy. Human female reproductive physiology can handle substantial energy demands that include the production of fecund cycles, ovulation, fertilization, placentation, a 9-month gestation, and often several years of lactation. The particular morphology of the human endometrium as well as our relative copiousness of menstruation and large neonatal size suggests that endometrial function has more resources allocated to it than many other primates. The human endometrium has a particularly invasive kind of hemochorial placentation and trophoblast that maximizes surface area and maternal-fetal contact, yet these processes are actually less efficient than the placentation of some of our primate relatives. The human endometrium and its associated processes appear to prioritize maximizing the transmission of oxygen and glucose to the fetus over efficiency and protection of maternal resources. Ovarian function controls many aspects of endometrial function and thus variation in the endometrium is often a reflection of ecological factors that impact the ovaries. However, preliminary evidence and literature from populations of different reproductive states, ages and pathologies also suggests that ecological stress plays a role in endometrial variation, different from or even independent of ovarian function. Immune stress and psychosocial stress appear to play some role in the endometrium's ability to carry a fetus through the mechanism of inflammation. Thus, within reproductive ecology we should move towards a model of women's fecundity and fertility that includes many components of ecological stress and their effects not only on the ovaries, but on processes related to endometrial function. Greater attention on the endometrium may aid in unraveling several issues in hominoid and specifically human evolutionary biology: a low implantation rate, high rates of early pregnancy loss, prenatal investment in singletons but postnatal support of several dependent offspring at once, and higher rate of reproductive and pregnancy-related pathology compared to other primates, ranging from endometriosis to preeclampsia. The study of the endometrium may also complicate some of these issues, as it raises the question of why humans have a maximally invasive placentation method and yet slow fetal growth rates. In this review, I will describe endometrial physiology, methods of measurement, variation, and some of the ecological variables that likely produce variation and pregnancy losses to demonstrate the necessity of further study. I propose several basic avenues of study that leave room for testable hypotheses in the field of reproductive ecology. And finally, I describe the potential of this work not just in reproductive ecology, but in the resolution of broader women's health issues.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small bowel induced in genetically susceptible people by the irritant gluten and possibly other environmental cofactors. The disorder is characterised by a diverse clinical heterogeneity that ranges from asymptomatic to severely symptomatic, and it manifests with frank malabsorption, an increased morbidity attributable to the frequent association with autoimmune disorders and increased mortality resulting from the emergence of T-cell clonal proliferations that predispose the patient to enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma. Our understanding of the molecular basis for this disorder has improved and enabled the identification of targets for new therapies, although a strict gluten-free diet remains the mainstay of safe and effective treatment. In this Seminar we critically reassess the clinical and diagnostic aspects of this disease and new perspectives in its pathogenesis and treatment.

Maternal celiac disease autoantibodies bind directly to syncytiotrophoblast and inhibit placental tissue transglutaminase activity

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) occurs in as many as 1 in 80 pregnant women and is associated with poor pregnancy outcome, but it is not known if this is an effect on maternal nutrient absorption or, alternatively, if the placenta is an autoimmune target. The major autoantigen, tissue transglutaminase (tTG), has previously been shown to be present in the maternal-facing syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane of the placenta.

METHODS

ELISA was used to demonstrate the presence of antibodies to tissue transglutaminase in a panel of CD sera. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the binding of IgA autoantibodies from CD serum to term placenta. In addition, novel direct binding and activity assays were developed to mimic the in vivo exposure of the villous placenta to maternal autoantibody.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CD IgA autoantibodies located to the syncytial surface of the placenta significantly more than IgA antibodies in control sera (P < 0.0001). The distribution of antigen was similar to that observed using a monoclonal antibody to tissue transglutaminase. Staining was reduced by pre-absorption of CD serum with recombinant human tissue transglutaminase. In direct binding assays, autoimmune immunoglobulin A (IgA) from the maternal compartment became associated with antigen at the syncytial surface of the placenta, as a result of which transglutaminase activity at this site was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that direct immune effects in untreated CD women may compromise placental function.

Systematic review: The evidence base for long-term management of coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

While gluten-free diet is an effective treatment for coeliac disease, the need for and goals of long-term management of patients are poorly defined.

AIM

To review systematically the complications and associations of coeliac disease, to identify potential risk factors, to define ways of assessing risk factors and to provide a strategy for management.

METHODS

Review of medical literature from 1975.

RESULTS

There is an increasing list of potential complications and/or conditions associated with coeliac disease, in particular, autoimmune disease, malignancy and bone disease. Risk factors that may predict or influence long-term outcomes include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors predominantly gluten ingestion, persistent small intestinal inflammation/injury and nutritional deficiencies. Genotyping of patients is yet to have an established clinical role in long-term management. Assessment of adherence to the gluten-free diet largely relies upon skilled dietary history, but the ultimate test is duodenal histopathology, which is the only currently established means of assessing healing. Symptoms, serology or other non-invasive means are poor predictors of healing and the likelihood of complications.

CONCLUSION

Evidence (albeit limited) that adherence to a gluten-free diet and mucosal healing prevent and/or ameliorate complications indicates that a planned long-term strategy for follow-up is essential.

Coeliac disease

INTRODUCTION

Coeliac disease is a common but often under diagnosed condition with important complications. It is due to immune-mediated gluten intolerance and may present in a number of ways. It has become more frequently diagnosed due to the recognition of the atypical presentations. In recent years, more sensitive and specific serological markers have been developed but the gold standard of diagnosis remains duodenal biopsy. Compliance with a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of management, improving symptoms and reducing complications of the disease.

SOURCES OF DATA

For this review, we focused on papers published on coeliac disease in recent years. Particular emphasis was given to clinical papers examining new methods for the diagnosis of coeliac disease or newer therapies for managing complications. The main source was PubMed and the major gastroenterology journals.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Coeliac disease is more common than once thought with a prevalence of around 1%. Diagnosis should always be confirmed with a duodenal biopsy. Management of coeliac disease with a gluten-free diet remains the cornerstone of treatment.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Some complications of coeliac disease, especially neurological, are not widely accepted despite growing support from the literature. Management of enteropathy-associated lymphoma has been difficult, and the optimal therapy is not known.

GROWING POINTS

Current understanding is such that coeliac disease is the most widely understood autoimmune condition. 'Atypical' presentations are becoming the most common presenting features of coeliac disease.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Alternatives to the gluten-free diet are about to go into clinical studies. Similarly, better serological screening tests may obviate the need for duodenal biopsy. This review will try to summarize the current understanding of coeliac disease with regard to diagnosis, management, complications and future perspectives.

[Clinical profile of Santa Catarina members of Brazilian Celiac Association]

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.

AIM

To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

METHODS

A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent.

RESULTS

From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7%) were enrolled in the study--all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8%), abdominal pain (71%) and diarrhea (65.5%). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1% of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 % had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7% did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4% had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65% of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33%). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45% and only 32.5% have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59% had altered results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Oral pathology in untreated coeliac [corrected] disease

BACKGROUND

Many coeliac disease patients with atypical symptoms remain undiagnosed.

AIM

To examine the frequency of oral lesions in coeliac disease patients and to assess their usefulness in making coeliac disease diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety-seven coeliac disease patients and 413 controls were recruited and the oral examination was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-six out of 197 coeliac disease patients (23%) were found to have enamel defects vs. 9% in controls (P < 0.0001). Clinical delayed eruption was observed in 26% of the pediatric coeliac disease patients vs. 7% of the controls (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of oral soft tissues lesions was 42% in the coeliac disease patients and 2% in controls (P < 0.0001). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis disappeared in 89% of the patients after 1 year of gluten-free diet. Multi-logistic analysis selected the following variables as the most meaningful in coeliac disease patients: dental enamel defects (OR = 2.652 CI = 1.427-4.926) and soft tissue lesions (OR = 41.667, CI = 18.868-90.909). Artificial Neural Networks methodology showed that oral soft tissue lesions have sensitivity = 42%, specificity = 98% and test accuracy = 83% in coeliac disease diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions was higher in coeliac disease patients (42%) than in controls. However, the positive-predictive value of these lesions for coeliac disease diagnosis was low.

Pregnancy in a woman with Turner syndrome and celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Studies on fertility in women with Turner syndrome have shown that spontaneous pregnancies occur in about 2-7% of patients. Fertility problems and obstetrical complications are frequently observed in untreated patients with celiac disease. We report the case of a patient, affected by Turner syndrome and celiac disease, in whom a spontaneous pregnancy occurred.

CASE

One patient affected by Turner syndrome at the age of 30 yr conceived spontaneously. Celiac disease was diagnosed during pregnancy. The pregnancy progressed uneventfully. After 39 weeks of gestation, she vaginally delivered a normal male infant.

CONCLUSION

Our patient had a successful pregnancy, giving birth to a healthy child, although she presented two pathological conditions affecting fertility and pregnancy outcome: Turner syndrome and celiac disease.

Chronic ethanol perturbs testicular folate metabolism and dietary folate deficiency reduces sex hormone levels in the Yucatan micropig

Although alcoholism causes changes in hepatic folate metabolism that are aggravated by folate deficiency, male reproductive effects have never been studied. We evaluated changes in folate metabolism in the male reproductive system following chronic ethanol consumption and folate deficiency. Twenty-four juvenile micropigs received folate-sufficient (FS) or folate-depleted (FD) diets or the same diets containing 40% of energy as ethanol (FSE or FDE) for 14 wk, and the differences between the groups were determined by ANOVA. Chronic ethanol consumption (FSE and FDE compared with FS and FD groups) reduced testis and epididymis weights, testis sperm concentrations, and total sperm counts and circulating FSH levels. Folate deficiency (FD and FDE compared with FS and FSE groups) reduced circulating testosterone, estradiol and LH levels, and also testicular 17,20-lyase and aromatase activities. There was histological evidence of testicular lesions and incomplete progression of spermatogenesis in all treated groups relative to the FS control, with the FDE group being the most affected. Chronic ethanol consumption increased testis folate concentrations and decreased testis methionine synthase activity, whereas folate deficiency reduced total testis folate levels and increased methionine synthase activity. In all pigs combined, testicular methionine synthase activity was negatively associated with circulating estradiol, LH and FSH, and 17,20-lyase activity after controlling for ethanol, folate deficiency, and their interaction. Thus, while chronic ethanol consumption primarily impairs spermatogenesis, folate deficiency reduces sex hormones, and the two treatments have opposite effects on testicular folate metabolism. Furthermore, methionine synthase may influence the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis.

Pregnancy outcome of patients with known celiac disease

OBJECTIVE

Celiac disease is a permanent intolerance to gluten, probably induced by an autoimmune mechanism. Controversy exists regarding the association between celiac disease and infertility, abortions, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and stillbirths. The present study was designed to investigate pregnancy outcome of patients with celiac disease.

METHODS

A retrospective comparison between all pregnancies of women with and without known celiac disease, delivered during the years 1988-2002, was conducted.

RESULTS

During the study period there were 48 deliveries of patients with celiac disease and 143,663 pregnancies of patients without known celiac disease. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups regarding maternal or perinatal outcomes, including fertility treatments (0% among patients with known celiac versus 2.5% among patients without known celiac sprue; p=0.267), recurrent abortions (0 versus 5.2%; p=0.103), perinatal mortality (2.1 versus 1.4%; p=0.668). However, higher rates of labor induction (29.2 versus 11.9%; p<0.001) and IUGR (6.3 versus 2.1%; p=0.042) were found among patients with celiac disease as compared to patients without known celiac disease.

CONCLUSION

The course of pregnancy of patients with celiac disease including perinatal outcomes is favorable. Since we found higher rates of IUGR, careful surveillance should be performed for early detection of IUGR. Further, prospective studies should focus on screening for celiac disease among patients presenting with IUGR of an unknown etiology.

Unusual manifestations of celiac disease

Celiac disease is multifaced autoimmune disorder with several extraintestinal manifestations and connections to other autoimmune diseases and other conditions. The recognition of the complex clinical picture of the disease helps doctors to search and diagnose celiac disease even if the gastrointestinal symptoms are lacking. Individuals at risk for celiac disease should be thoroughly investigated and individuals with unusual manifestations of the disease should be screened actively.

Serological testing for celiac disease in women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques

BACKGROUND

The assertion of a causal relationship between celiac disease and infertility is suggested by several lines of research. Nevertheless, robust evidence has not yet been provided. The present study evaluated, for the first time, the prevalence of celiac disease in women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART).

METHODS

Serum samples from 200 Italian women undergoing ART were evaluated for celiac disease by endomisium antibody (EMA) and transglutaminase antibody (t-TGA)-two highly sensitive and specific serological markers. Two hundred women not reporting reproductive problems and having delivered at least one child served as controls. In cases of positive serology, the diagnosis was confirmed by jejunal biopsy.

RESULTS

Five (2.5%) women from the study group and two (1.0%) from the control group were found to have celiac disease (P = 0.44). The main indications for ART in women found to have celiac disease were tubal factor in two cases and male infertility in three cases. None of these women reported major gastrointestinal complaints. Extra intestinal signs linked to celiac disease were noted in four out of five patients.

CONCLUSION

This study raises the issue of celiac disease screening in ART programmes. Given the available evidence in the literature combined with our observations from this study, the value of serological testing for celiac disease in infertile women remains uncertain. Further studies to address this issue are required.

Tissue transglutaminase antibodies in celiac disease, comparison of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and a dot blot assay

AIMS

The purpose of our study is to determine the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a dot blot assay for the detection of IgA class anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA-AtTGA) and to compare these results with those of IgA class anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-AEA), IgA class anti-reticulin antibodies (IgA-ARA) and IgA class anti-gliadin antibodies (IgA-AGA).

PATIENTS

Serum samples from 143 patients (97 children, 46 adults) with untreated celiac disease (CD) confirmed by intestinal biopsy and 74 disease controls (64 children, 10 adults) were studied. Methods. - The anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were detected by dot blot assay and an ELISA using guinea pig tissue transglutaminase (gp-tTG) as antigen. The anti-endomysium antibodies were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence technique on cryostat sections of human umbilical cord. The anti-reticulin antibodies were also investigated by indirect immunofluorescence on cryostat sections of kidney, liver and stomach of rat. The anti-gliadin antibodies were determined by an ELISA.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of an ELISA for the detection of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies was 86% in children and 87% in adults and the sensitivity of dot blot assay was 57% in children and 54% in adults. The specificity of an ELISA and dot blot for the detection for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies was, respectively, 96% and 88% lower than that of anti-endomysium antibodies (100%). The sensitivity of anti-gliadin antibodies was 97% in children and 91% in adults and their specificity was 85%. The sensitivity of anti-reticulin antibodies was 94% in children and 87% in adults. Their specificity was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity and specificity of an ELISA for the detection of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were better than that of dot blot assay. However, this dot blot assay could screen four celiac patients who have not had anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies by an ELISA. The sensitivity of anti-endomysium antibodies was better than that of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, anti-reticulin antibodies and anti-gliadin antibodies but in children aged less than 2 years, the sensitivity of anti-gliadin antibodies was better than that of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies.

Case-finding in coeliac disease should be intensified

Large-scale screening studies on CD have been published and suggest a prevalence of CD in USA, Europe, Middle-East and Australia of about 1:100. The costs of finding coeliacs hasn't been discussed in these studies. Coeliac disease can be classified to be an important health problem. It might be relevant to have a low threshold for biopsies when screening for coeliac disease. Screening asymptomatics may be harmful for individuals. A lifelong gluten-free diet is not easy to maintain and quality of life may deteriorate. In countries familiar with coeliac disease, the classic pattern of severe malabsorption and cachexia, as described in textbooks, has become rare. CD is not borne in minds of doctors diagnosing dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel disease, or associated auto-immune diseases. The consequence is a delay in diagnosis, with secondary problems as long term auto-immune stimulation, osteoporosis and secondary malignancies. Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphomas are well known, but considering coeliac disease in T-cell lymphomas presenting outside the GE-tract is uncommon. Nation-wide screening programmes have not started, which are common for phenylketonury and other metabolic defects. It is debatable whether coeliacs found by screening adhere to a gluten-free diet similar to symptomatic coeliacs. Whether a gluten-free diet is of benefit to this subgroup is controversial.

Fertility and pregnancy-related events in women with celiac disease: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous studies have raised concern about reduced fertility and increased adverse pregnancy-related events in women with celiac disease, but none has estimated overall fertility compared with the general female population.

METHODS

We compared computerized primary care data for 1521 women with celiac disease with data for 7732 age- and practice-matched women without celiac disease. We estimated population-based rates of fertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

Crude fertility rates were 48.2 and 47.7 live births per 1000 person-years for women with and without celiac disease, respectively (rate ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.14). Age-specific fertility rates showed that women with celiac disease had lower fertility when younger but higher fertility when older compared with women without celiac disease. This increase in relative fertility with increasing age held whether women had treated or untreated celiac disease. Risks of cesarean section (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.70) and miscarriage (rate ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.61) were moderately higher in women with celiac disease, but risks of assisted birth, breech birth, preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, and termination were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, women with celiac disease have fertility similar to that of the general female population, but they have their babies at an older age. Although our findings may reflect a disease effect, the age shift in fertility rates and the increase in cesarean section risk is consistent with socioeconomic or educational advantages of women with celiac disease.

Gynecologic and obstetric findings related to nutritional status and adherence to a gluten-free diet in Brazilian patients with celiac disease

This study shows a broad analysis of gynaecological and obstetrical disturbances in patients with celiac disease in relation to their nutritional status and adherence to a gluten-free diet. Seventy-six adult celiac patients were analyzed according to nutritional status and 18 children/adolescents to gluten-free diet adherence. As controls, 84 adults and 22 adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome were used The significant findings were observed as follow: adult celiac patients, irrespective of the nutritional status, were younger than controls, presented delayed menarche, secondary amenorrhea, a higher percentage of spontaneous abortions, anemia and hypoalbuminemia. No differences were observed regarding the number of pregnancies, age at menopause and duration of the reproductive period. After treatment, patients presented with normal pregnancies and one patient presented spontaneous abortion. The adolescents who were not adherent to gluten-free diet presented delayed menarche and secondary amenorrhea. In conclusion, gluten per se could explain the disturbances and malnutrition would worsen the disease in a consequent vicious cycle. Therefore, celiac disease should be included in the screening of reproductive disorders.

Subfertility and Gastrointestinal Disease: ???Unexplained??? Is Often Undiagnosed

Subfertility can be more reliably explained and effectively treated with an improved understanding of the contribution of chronic medical disease to reproductive dysfunction. This review addresses several common gastrointestinal disorders which are increasingly implicated in infertility and early pregnancy loss: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and hemochromatosis. Appreciating the reproductive impact of these comorbidities and their treatments enables clinicians to accurately counsel patients and to modify medical and fertility treatments based on etiology. Because unexplained infertility can represent the initial presentation of undiagnosed medical disease, considering these often-subclinical gastrointestinal disorders in the differential diagnosis of subfertility provides an opportunity not only to increase the probability of conception and uncomplicated pregnancy, but also to improve overall maternal health.