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Usai-Satta P, Oppia F, Lai M, Cabras F. Motility Disorders in Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: The Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111705. [PMID: 30405092 PMCID: PMC6266734 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is evidence that digestive motor disorders are frequently present in untreated celiac disease (CD) patients. Similarly, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can be associated with gut motor disorders. In both cases, gut dysmotility can improve or be completely reversed with a gluten-free diet (GFD). Methods: A literature search for motility disorders in CD and NCGS patients was carried out using the online databases PubMed, Medline and Cochrane. Results: Esophageal, gastric, small bowel and gallbladder motor disorders are common in both children and adults with CD. Although the clinical consequences of these disorders are not clearly defined, gastric dysfunction could affect drug absorption and metabolism in the thyroid and neurological conditions associated with CD. The impact of a GFD on motility disorders is, however, controversial. No systematic studies are available on NCGS. NCGS frequently overlaps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar pathophysiological mechanisms may be hypothesized. Conclusions: Mucosal damage may affect gut motility in untreated CD through perturbation of hormonal and neuro-immunomodulatory regulation. A persistent low-grade mucosal inflammation could explain the cases of persistent motor disorders despite a GFD. Further studies are needed to definitely assess the role of gut motor disorders in NCGS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Oppia
- Gastroenteorlogy Unit, Brotzu Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Mariantonia Lai
- Gastroenterology Unit, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
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Shin Y, Choi D, Lee KG, Choi HS, Park Y. Association between dietary intake and postlaparoscopic cholecystectomic symptoms in patients with gallbladder disease. Korean J Intern Med 2018; 33:829-836. [PMID: 29117670 PMCID: PMC6030420 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2016.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS After cholecystectomy, patients have reported postcholecystectomic syndromes such as abdominal symptoms, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, which suggest a relationship between cholecystectomic symptoms and diet, although the details of this association remain unclear. The present study investigated the hypothesis that dietary intake of nutrients and foods was significantly associated with postcholecystectomic syndromes. METHODS Gallstone patients (n = 59) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled, and dietary intake and clinical parameters were assessed immediately postcholecystectomy and 3 months later. RESULTS There were no significant differences in biochemical measurements or characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Immediately postcholecystectomy, there were no significant differences in consumption of nutrients or foods between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. However, 3 months after cholecystectomy, symptomatic patients consumed more animal protein, cholesterol, and eggs, and fewer vegetables than did asymptomatic patients. Multivariable-adjusted regression analyses also indicated that the risk for symptoms was positively associated with intake of animal protein, cholesterol, and eggs, but negatively associated with intake of vegetables after adjusting for confounders. In addition, symptomatic patients consumed more bread-based breakfast foods, while asymptomatic patients consumed more rice. CONCLUSIONS Postcholecystectomic syndromes were positively associated with intake of cholesterol, animal protein, and eggs, and negatively associated with intake of vegetables, suggesting that diet was plays a role in postcholecystectomic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongju Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hanyang University College of Human Ecology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongho Choi
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeong Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Soon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yongsoon Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hanyang University College of Human Ecology, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Yongsoon Park, Ph.D. Department of Food and Nutrition, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea Tel: +82-2-2220-1205 Fax: +82-2-2292-1226 E-mail:
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Usai-Satta P, Oppia F, Scarpa M, Giannetti C, Cabras F. Delayed gastric emptying does not normalize after gluten withdrawal in adult celiac disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:923-6. [PMID: 27161492 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2016.1157893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Delayed gastric emptying has been frequently detected in patients with untreated celiac disease. According to several studies, gluten withdrawal showed to be effective in normalizing the gastric emptying rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric emptying rate of solids in patients with celiac disease before and after a gluten-free diet. Methods Twelve adult patients with celiac disease (age range 20-57 years) and 30 healthy controls (age range 30-54 years) underwent a (13)C-octanoic acid breath test to measure gastric emptying. Half emptying time (t1/2) and lag phase (tlag) were calculated. After at least 12 months of a gluten-free diet, celiac patients underwent a new (13)C-octanoic acid breath test. A symptom score was utilized to detect dyspeptic and malabsorption symptoms in all the patients. Results The gastric motility parameters, t1/2 and tlag, were significantly longer in patients than in controls. On a gluten-free diet, surprisingly, the gastric emptying did not normalize despite an improvement of symptom score. No significant correlation between abnormal gastric emptying and specific symptom patterns, anthropometric parameters or severity of histological damage was found. Conclusions This finding supports the hypothesis that gluten-driven mucosal inflammation might determine motor abnormalities by affecting smooth muscle contractility or impairing gut hormone function. The persistence of these abnormalities on a gluten free diet suggests the presence of a persistent low-grade mucosal inflammation with a permanent perturbation of the neuro-immunomodulatory regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Oppia
- a Gastroenterology Unit , Brotzu Hospital , Cagliari , Italy
| | - Mariella Scarpa
- a Gastroenterology Unit , Brotzu Hospital , Cagliari , Italy
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Mansueto P, Seidita A, D'Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: literature review. J Am Coll Nutr 2014; 33:39-54. [PMID: 24533607 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2014.869996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant percentage of the general population report problems caused by wheat and/or gluten ingestion, even though they do not have celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy (WA), because they test negative both for CD-specific serology and histopathology and for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated assays. Most patients report both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal symptoms, and all report improvement of symptoms on a gluten-free diet. This clinical condition has been named non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). AIM We attempt to define the current pathogenic, clinical, and diagnostic criteria of this "new" disease, to provide a practical view that might be useful to evaluate, diagnose, and manage NCGS patients. METHODS We reviewed the international literature through PubMed and Medline, using the search terms "wheat (hyper)sensitivity," "wheat allergy," "wheat intolerance," "gluten (hyper)sensitivity," and "gluten intolerance," and we discuss current knowledge about NCGS. RESULTS It has been demonstrated that patients suffering from NCGS are a heterogeneous group, composed of several subgroups, each characterized by different pathogenesis, clinical history, and, probably, clinical course. NCGS diagnosis can be reached only by excluding CD and WA. Recent evidence shows that a personal history of food allergy in infancy, coexistent atopy, positive for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antigliadin antibodies and flow cytometric basophil activation test, with wheat and duodenal and/or ileum-colon intraepithelial and lamina propria eosinophil counts, could be useful to identify NCGS patients. CONCLUSIONS Future research should aim to identify reliable biomarkers for NCGS diagnosis and to better define the different NCGS subgroups. Key teaching points: • Most patients report both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal symptoms, and all agree that there is an improvement of symptoms on a gluten-free diet. • NCGS diagnosis can be reached only by excluding celiac disease and wheat allergy. • Patients suffering from NCGS are a heterogeneous group, composed of several subgroups, each characterized by different pathogenesis, clinical history, and, probably, clinical course. • A personal history of food allergy in infancy, coexistent atopy, positive IgG antigliadin antibodies (AGA) and flow cytometric basophil activation test, with wheat and duodenal and/or ileum-colon intraepithelial and lamina propria eosinophil counts, could be useful to identify NCGS patients. • Future research should aim to identify reliable biomarkers for NCGS diagnosis and to better define the different NCGS subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Mansueto
- a Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Palermo , Palermo , ITALY
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Abstract
The gluten-free diet is currently the only treatment for celiac disease, and patients should be monitored closely by a dietitian who is knowledgeable regarding this diet. Evaluation by a dietitian includes a comprehensive assessment of dietary history, with an emphasis on caloric and micronutrient intake. Patient knowledge of the gluten-free diet is assessed and interpretation of food labels is taught. Identification of micronutrient deficiencies or comorbid gastrointestinal conditions may occur during a comprehensive dietary assessment. In patients with evidence of gluten exposure, a thorough evaluation for cross-contamination is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Simpson
- Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Tveito K, Hetta AK, Askedal M, Brunborg C, Sandvik L, Løberg EM, Skar V. Follow-up of coeliac disease with the novel one-hour 13C-sorbitol breath test versus the H2-sorbitol breath test. Scand J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:837-43. [PMID: 21504303 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2011.575175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently developed a (13)C-sorbitol breath test ((13)C-SBT) as an alternative to the H(2)-sorbitol breath test (H(2)-SBT) for coeliac disease. In this study we compared the diagnostic properties of the H(2)-SBT and the (13)C-SBT in follow-up of coeliac disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-seven coeliac patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) performed the breath tests. All had been tested before treatment in the initial study of the (13)C-SBT, in which 39 untreated coeliac patients, 40 patient controls, and 26 healthy volunteers participated. Five gram sorbitol and 100 mg (13)C-sorbitol were dissolved in 250 ml tap water and given orally. H(2), CH(4) and (13)CO(2) were measured in end-expiratory breath samples every 30 min for 4 h. Increased H(2) concentration ≥20 ppm from basal values was used as cut-off for the H(2)-SBT. Sixty minutes values were used as diagnostic index in the (13)C-SBT. RESULTS (13)CO(2) levels at 60 min increased in 20/26 treated coeliac patients (77%) after GFD, but were significantly lower than in control groups. Out of 20 patients who had a positive H(2)-SBT before GFD, 12 had a negative H(2)-SBT after GFD. Peak H(2) concentrations were not correlated with (13)C-SBT results. CONCLUSION The study confirms the sensitivity of a one-hour (13)C-SBT for small intestinal malabsorption. The (13)C-SBT has superior diagnostic properties compared with the H(2)-SBT in follow-up of coeliac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Tveito
- Department of Medicine, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Bassotti G, Villanacci V, Mazzocchi A, Mariano M, Incardona P, Clerici C, Morelli A. Antroduodenojejunal motor activity in untreated and treated celiac disease patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23:e23-8. [PMID: 18702684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.04868.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with celiac disease may present with abnormal upper gut motor activity. However, it is not known if these abnormalities persist after the introduction of a gluten-free diet. The present study aimed to compare antroduodenojejunal motor variables recorded in untreated celiac patients with those of celiac patients given a gluten-free diet and healthy volunteers. METHODS Eleven untreated celiac disease patients, 12 age- and sex-matched celiac patients on a gluten-free diet (at least 12 months), and 33 controls entered the study. Antroduodenojejunal motility was recorded for 6 h during fasting and for 3 h after a standard meal by means of a perfused, multiple lumen catheter. RESULTS More than 80% of untreated celiac patients had discrete motor abnormalities of the upper gut, in both fasting and fed recordings, compared to the other subjects. Patients on a gluten-free diet also showed motor abnormalities, albeit to a lesser extent. In these patients histological evaluation showed the persistence of mild mucosal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Upper gut motor abnormalities are frequent in patients with celiac disease, even in those on a gluten-free diet. In the latter group, these abnormalities may suggest an incomplete adherence to the dietary regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrio Bassotti
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Coleman NS, Foley S, Dunlop SP, Wheatcroft J, Blackshaw E, Perkins AC, Singh G, Marsden CA, Holmes GK, Spiller RC. Abnormalities of serotonin metabolism and their relation to symptoms in untreated celiac disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:874-81. [PMID: 16797248 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a key modulator of gut function that in excess causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. We recently showed that patients with post-infective irritable bowel syndrome have increased postprandial release of 5-HT associated with low-grade T-cell mediated inflammation. Celiac disease is another common disease in which a T-cell enteropathy is associated with increased mucosal 5-HT levels. Our aim was to determine how this inflammatory lesion influenced 5-HT bioavailability and how changes in 5-HT related to the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea seen in untreated celiac patients. METHODS Fasting plasma and platelet 5-HT and postprandial plasma 5-HT levels were measured after a high-carbohydrate meal in celiac patients (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 18) using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Dyspepsia was assessed during the postprandial period using a questionnaire. Finally, we compared the histology and mucosal 5-HT levels in duodenal biopsy specimens from celiac patients and controls. RESULTS Celiac patients had increased 5-HT-containing enterochromaffin cell numbers and significantly higher peak plasma 5-HT levels (P = .0002), postprandial area under the curve (P = .0006), and platelet 5-HT stores (P = .031) than controls. Peak 5-HT levels correlated significantly with postprandial dyspepsia scores (P = .005). Celiac patients had higher duodenal 5-HT levels (P = .007) than controls. CONCLUSIONS Celiac disease is associated with increased mucosal 5-HT content and enhanced 5-HT release from the upper small bowel, which correlates with postprandial dyspepsia. Serotonin excess may mediate dyspeptic symptoms in untreated celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Coleman
- Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Marciani L, Coleman NS, Dunlop SP, Singh G, Marsden CA, Holmes GK, Spiller RC, Gowland PA. Gallbladder contraction, gastric emptying and antral motility: Single visit assessment of upper GI function in untreated celiac disease using echo-planar MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2005; 22:634-8. [PMID: 16193473 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.20436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess gallbladder contraction, gastric emptying, and antral motility in untreated celiac patients and healthy controls using a single MRI examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Gallbladder emptying, gastric emptying, and antral motility were measured in 15 celiac patients and 15 age/sex-matched healthy controls following a 323-kcal test meal using EPI techniques. Postprandial dyspepsia scores were recorded on a questionnaire. RESULTS Fasting gallbladder volume (P=0.01) and the volume of bile ejected postprandially (P=0.014) were increased in celiacs. Gastric emptying tended to be slower in celiacs (P=0.142). Three celiac patients with severe postprandial dyspepsia and total villous atrophy had pathologically delayed gastric emptying and increased fasting gallbladder volume. Antral contractions were absent in five out of 14 patients (36%) five minutes after the meal, but in none of 10 volunteers in whom the antrum could be visualized (P=0.128). CONCLUSION This study shows that using MRI, multiple parameters related to upper gastrointestinal function in celiac disease can be measured in a single noninvasive study, whereas previously three separate visits would have been required. Celiacs have increased fasting gallbladder volumes and tend to have slower gastric emptying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Marciani
- Wolfson Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital, Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Elli
- U.O. of Gastroenterology, University of Milan, Italy.
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Maieron R, Elli L, Marino M, Floriani I, Minerva F, Avellini C, Falconieri G, Pizzolitto S, Zilli M. Celiac disease and intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus). Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:126-9. [PMID: 15712649 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-1289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on celiac patients demonstrated that exposure to gliadin alters the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased acid reflux. No literature is available regarding the possible presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus as a consequence of chronic reflux in adult celiac patients. Our purpose was to evaluate endoscopically and histologically the esophagi of a group of untreated celiac patients. We studied 60 celiac patients, 13 men and 47 women (mean age, 40 +/- 14 [SD] years; range, 18-80 years), at their first endoscopy (following a normal diet). The distal esophagus was evaluated and multiple biopsies were taken. Hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue stainings were performed. A group of nonceliac, age- and sex-matched patients was used as a control. We found intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus of 16 of 60 (26.6%) celiacs (mean age, 45 +/- 13 years; range, 27-75 years), in comparison with a control-group prevalence of 10.9% (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4-11.2%). Among the celiac group with metaplasia, only one patient had reflux-like symptoms. None had esophagitis. In conclusion, we observed an increased prevalence of esophageal metaplasia in patients with celiac disease. This finding could be the result of motor abnormalities leading to chronic acid reflux, combined with a mucosa which is sensitive to gliadin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Maieron
- Gastroenterology Unit, General Hospital S. M. della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
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Abstract
It is quite frequent to recognize celiac patients who show gastrointestinal motor abnormalities in clinical practice. In fact, in 30 to 60% of patients, physical examination and dyspeptic symptoms (epigastric discomfort, early satiety) suggest a gastrointestinal motility disorder. Consistent data are now available on the presence of a disturbed motility of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon of untreated celiac patients. Gastrointestinal abnormalities differ in different gastrointestinal districts. In fact, esophageal transit, gastric and gallbladder emptying, and orocecal transit time are delayed, while colonic transit is faster. These findings are related to the complex interactions among reduced absorption of food constituent (in particular, fat), neurologic alteration, and hormonal derangement. Motility disorders of the gut are also a predisposing factor in the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and may contribute both to development of symptoms in some untreated celiacs and to the persistence of symptoms after gluten-free diet in some of them. All these alterations fortunately disappear after gluten-free diet, and patients return to well being status. Whatever the initial event in the pathogenesis of the celiac lesions may be, we know for certain at this time that gastrointestinal disturbances play an important role in the genesis of gastrointestinal symptoms in celiac disease and that surveillance for celiac disease in patients complaining of dysmotility-like dyspeptic symptoms should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tursi
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Lorenzo Bonomo Hospital, Andria (BA), Italy.
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Tursi A, Brandimarte G, Giorgetti G. High prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in celiac patients with persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms after gluten withdrawal. Am J Gastroenterol 2003; 98:839-43. [PMID: 12738465 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Celiac disease is a gluten-sensitive enteropathy with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestation, and most celiac patients respond to a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, in some rare cases celiacs continue to experience GI symptoms after GFD, despite optimal adherence to diet. The aim of our study was to evaluate the causes of persistence of GI symptoms in a series of consecutive celiac patients fully compliant to GFD. METHODS We studied 15 celiac patients (five men, 10 women, mean age 36.5 yr, range 24-59 yr) who continued to experience GI symptoms after at least 6-8 months of GFD (even if of less severity). Antigliadin antibody (AGA) test, antiendomysial antibody (EMA) test, and sorbitol H2-breath test (H2-BT), as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with histological evaluation, were performed before starting GFD. Bioptic samples were obtained from the second duodenal portion during EGD, and histopathology was expressed according to the Marsh classification. To investigate the causes of persistence of GI symptoms in these patients, we performed AGA and EMA tests, stool examination, EGD with histological examination of small bowel mucosa, and sorbitol-, lactose-, and lactulose H2-breath tests. RESULTS Histology improved in all patients after 6-8 months of GFD; therefore, refractory celiac disease could be excluded. One patient with Marsh II lesions was fully compliant to his diet but had mistakenly taken an antibiotic containing gluten. Two patients showed lactose malabsorption, one patient showed Giardia lamblia and one patient Ascaris lumbricoides infestation, and 10 patients showed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by lactulose H2-BT. We prescribed a diet without milk or fresh milk-derived foods to the patient with lactose malabsorption; we treated the patients with parasite infestation with mebendazole 500 mg/day for 3 days for 2 consecutive wk; and we treated the patients with SIBO with rifaximin 800 mg/day for 1 wk. The patients were re-evaluated 1 month after the end of drug treatment (or after starting lactose-free diet); at this visit all patients were symptom-free. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that SIBO affects most celiacs with persistence of GI symptoms after gluten withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tursi
- Department of Emergency, "L. Bonomo" Hospital, Andria (BA), Italy
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