Predominantly Antibody Deficiency and the Association with Celiac Disease in Sweden: A Nationwide Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Predominantly antibody deficiency (PAD) is associated with non-infectious inflammatory gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Population estimates of celiac disease (CeD) risk in those with PAD are limited.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate population risk of PAD in individuals with CeD.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide case-control study of Swedish individuals who received a diagnosis of CeD between 1997 and 2017 (n=34,980), matched to population comparators by age, sex, calendar year, and county. CeD was confirmed through the Epidemiology Strengthened by histopathology Reports in Sweden (ESPRESSO) study, which provided information on biopsy specimens from each of Sweden's pathology departments. PAD was identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th Revision coding and categorized according to the International Union of Immunologic Societies (IUIS). Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

PAD was more prevalent in CeD as compared to population controls (n=105 (0.3%) vs n=57 (0.033%), respectively). This translated to an aOR of 8.23 (95%CI 5.95-11.48). The association was strongest with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) (aOR 17.25; 95%CI 6.86-52.40), and slightly lower in other PAD (aOR 8.39; 95%CI 5.79-12.32). The risk of CeD remained increased ≥ 5 years after diagnosis of PAD (aOR 4.79; 95%CI 2.89-7.97, p-heterogeneity <0.001).

CONCLUSION

PAD was associated with an increased risk of CeD. A particularly strong association was seen in those with CVID, although should be interpreted cautiously given the limited understanding of the mechanisms of histopathologic changes in these patients.

"Deficiency in ELF4, X-Linked": a Monogenic Disease Entity Resembling Behçet's Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Defining monogenic drivers of autoinflammatory syndromes elucidates mechanisms of disease in patients with these inborn errors of immunity and can facilitate targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, we describe a cohort of patients with a Behçet's- and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like disorder termed "deficiency in ELF4, X-linked" (DEX) affecting males with loss-of-function variants in the ELF4 transcription factor gene located on the X chromosome. An international cohort of fourteen DEX patients was assessed to identify unifying clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria as well as collate findings informing therapeutic responses. DEX patients exhibit a heterogeneous clinical phenotype including weight loss, oral and gastrointestinal aphthous ulcers, fevers, skin inflammation, gastrointestinal symptoms, arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia, with findings of increased inflammatory markers, anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, intermittently low natural killer and class-switched memory B cells, and increased inflammatory cytokines in the serum. Patients have been predominantly treated with anti-inflammatory agents, with the majority of DEX patients treated with biologics targeting TNFα.

Racial and ethnic disparities in early mortality among patients with inborn errors of immunity

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities in life expectancy in the United States have been widely documented. To date, there remains a paucity of similar data in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs).

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to examine racial and ethnic differences in mortality due to an IEI in the United States.

METHODS

We analyzed National Center for Health Statistics national mortality data from 2003 to 2018. We quantified age-adjusted death rate and age-specific death rate as a result of an IEI for each major racial and ethnic group in the United States and examined the association of race and ethnicity with death at a younger age.

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2018, IEIs were reported as the underlying or contributing cause of death in 14,970 individuals nationwide. The age-adjusted death rate was highest among Black patients (4.25 per 1,000,000 person years), compared with 2.01, 1.71, 1.50, and 0.92 per 1,000,000 person years for White, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients, respectively. The odds of death before age 65 years were greatest among Black patients (odds ratio [OR] = 5.15 [95% CI = 4.61-5.76]), followed by American Indian/Alaska Native patients (OR = 3.58 [95% CI = 2.30-5.82]), compared with White patients. The odds of death before age 24 years were greater among Hispanic patients than among non-Hispanic patients (OR = 3.60 [95% CI = 3.08-4.18]).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights racial and ethnic disparities in mortality due to an IEI and the urgent need to further identify and systematically remove barriers in care for historically marginalized patients with IEIs.

Response to SARS-CoV-2 initial series and additional dose vaccine in pediatric patients with predominantly antibody deficiency

Data regarding response to SARS-CoV-2 immunization in pediatric patients with predominantly antibody deficiency (PAD) is limited. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 immunization response by anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike antibody level in 15 pediatric PAD patients. These data were compared to a published cohort of adult PAD patients (n=62) previously analyzed following SARS-CoV-2 immunization at our single center institution. We evaluated demographics, clinical characteristics, immunophenotype, infection history, and past medication use by chart review. Following a two-dose monovalent initial series SARS-CoV-2 immunization, mean anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike antibody levels were significantly higher in pediatric PAD patients compared to adult PAD patients (2,890.7 vs. 140.1 U/mL; p<0.0001). Pediatric PAD patients with low class-switched memory B-cells, defined as <2% of total CD19+ B-cells, had significantly lower mean anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike antibody levels than those without (p=0.02). Following a third-dose monovalent SARS-CoV-2 immunization, the mean anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike antibody levels in pediatric PAD patients significantly increased (2,890.7 to 18,267.2 U/mL; p<0.0001). These data support Centers for Disease Control guidelines regarding three-part SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series, including in the pediatric PAD patient demographic.

Predominant Antibody Deficiency and Risk of Microscopic Colitis: a Nationwide Case-Control Study in Sweden

PURPOSE : Predominant antibody deficiency (PAD) disorders, including common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), have been linked to increased risk of gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there are limited data on the relationship between PAD, specifically CVID, and risk of microscopic colitis (MC).

METHODS

We performed a nationwide case-control study of Swedish adults with MC diagnosed between 1997 and 2017 (n = 13,651). Data on biopsy-verified MC were retrieved from all of Sweden's pathology departments through the Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden (ESPRESSO) study. We defined predominant antibody deficiency using International Union of Immunologic Societies (IUIS) phenotypic classification. Individuals with MC were matched to population controls by age, sex, calendar year, and county. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The prevalence of PAD in MC was 0.4% as compared to 0.05% in controls. After adjustment for potential confounders, this corresponded to an aOR of 7.29 (95%CI 4.64-11.63). The magnitude of the association was higher for CVID (aOR 21.01, 95% 5.48-137.44) compared to other antibody deficiencies (aOR 6.16, 95% CI 3.79-10.14). In exploratory analyses, the association between PAD and MC was particularly strong among males (aOR 31.73, 95% CI 10.82-135.04).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based study, predominant antibody deficiency was associated with increased risk of MC, particularly among males. Clinicians who encounter these patients should consider a detailed infectious history and screening for antibody deficiency.

Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Initial Series and Additional Dose Vaccine in Patients With Predominant Antibody Deficiency

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients with predominant antibody deficiency (PAD) is associated with high morbidity, yet data regarding the response to SARS-CoV-2 immunization in PAD patients, including additional dose vaccine, are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in PAD patients and define correlates of vaccine response.

METHODS

We assessed the levels and function of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 62 PAD patients compared with matched healthy controls at baseline, at 4 to 6 weeks after the initial series of immunization (a single dose of Ad26.COV2.S [Janssen] or two doses of BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech] or mRNA-1273 [Moderna]), and at 4 to 6 weeks after an additional dose immunization, if received.

RESULTS

After the initial series of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, PAD patients had lower mean anti-spike antibody levels compared with matched healthy controls (140.1 vs 547.3 U/mL; P = .02). Patients with secondary PAD (eg, B-cell depletion therapy was used) and those with severe primary PAD (eg, common variable immunodeficiency with autoinflammatory complications) had the lowest mean anti-spike antibody levels. Immune correlates of a low anti-spike antibody response included low CD4+ T helper cells, low CD19+ total B cells, and low class-switched memory (CD27+IgD/M-) B cells. In addition, a low (<100 U/mL) anti-spike antibody response was associated with prior exposure to B-cell depletion therapy, both at any time in the past (odds ratio = 5.5; confidence interval, 1.5-20.4; P = .01) and proximal to vaccination (odds ratio = 36.4; confidence interval, 1.7-791.9; P = .02). Additional dose immunization with an mRNA vaccine in a subset of 31 PAD patients increased mean anti-spike antibody levels (76.3 U/mL before to 1065 U/mL after the additional dose; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with secondary and severe primary PAD, characterized by low T helper cells, low B cells, and/or low class-switched memory B cells, were at risk for low antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 immunization, which improved after an additional dose vaccination in most patients.

Liver Stiffness by Transient Elastography Correlates With Degree of Portal Hypertension in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients With Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). While liver biopsy is the gold standard for NRH diagnosis, a non-invasive technique could facilitate early disease recognition, monitoring, and/or immune intervention. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of ultrasound-based transient elastography (TE) in patients with CVID to evaluate liver stiffness and compared this between patients with (N = 12) and without (N = 6) biopsy-proven NRH. Additionally, these data were compared to a cohort followed at our institution for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (N = 527), a disease for which TE has routine diagnostic use. Clinical and pathologic features of NRH were evaluated as correlates of liver stiffness, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to define a liver stiffness cutoff with diagnostic utility for NRH among CVID patients. CVID patients with NRH had a more severe disease presentation compared to those without. This included increased autoinflammatory disease comorbidities, combined B-cell and T-cell dysfunction, and abnormal liver biochemistries (specifically an increased mean alkaline phosphatase level [proximal to TE, 250 vs. 100 U/L; p = 0.03; peak, 314 vs. 114 U/L; p = 0.02). Results of TE demonstrated a significantly elevated liver stiffness in CVID patients with NRH (mean 13.2 ± 6.2 kPa) as compared to both CVID patients without NRH (mean 4.6 ± 0.9 kPa) and non-CVID patients with NAFLD (mean 6.9 ± 5.5 kPa) (p < 0.01). No single or composite histopathologic feature of NRH correlated with liver stiffness including nodule size, nodule density, sinusoidal dilation, fibrosis, and/or lymphocytosis. In contrast, liver stiffness by TE was significantly correlated with clinical parameters of portal hypertension, including an elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient, an increased splenic longitudinal diameter, presence of varices, and presence of peripheral edema. A liver stiffness of greater than or equal to 6.2 kPa was a clinically significant cutoff for NRH in CVID patients. We propose that TE has diagnostic utility in CVID, particularly in the presence of immunophenotypic features such as combined B-cell and T-cell dysfunction, autoinflammatory comorbidities, and/or abnormal liver tests. Elevated liver stiffness by TE should raise suspicion for NRH in patients with CVID and prompt expedited evaluation by hepatology.

Factors Associated With the Performance of Extended Colonic Resection vs. Segmental Resection in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES:

Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates are rising. This group is susceptible to heritable conditions (i.e., Lynch syndrome (LS)) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with high metachronous CRC rates after segmental resection. Hence, extended colonic resection (ECR) is often performed and considered generally in young patients. As there are no population-based studies analyzing resection extent in early-onset CRC, we used CDC Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) data to assess state-wide operative practices.

METHODS:

Using CER and Louisiana Tumor Registry data, all CRC patients aged ≤50 years, diagnosed in Louisiana in 2011, who underwent surgery in 2011–2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Prevalence of, and the factors associated with operation type (ECR including subtotal/total/proctocolectomy vs. segmental resection) were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Of 2,427 CRC patients, 274 were aged ≤50 years. In all, 234 underwent surgery at 53 unique facilities and 6.8% underwent ECR. Statistically significant ECR-associated factors included age ≤45 years, polyposis, synchronous/metachronous LS-associated cancers, and IBD. Abnormal microsatellite instability (MSI) was not ECR-associated. ECR was not performed in sporadic CRC.

CONCLUSIONS:

ECR is performed in the setting of clinically obvious associated high-risk features (polyposis, IBD, synchronous/metachronous cancers) but not in isolated/sporadic CRC. However, attention must be paid to patients with seemingly lower risk characteristics (isolated CRC, no polyposis), as LS can still be present. In addition, the presumed sporadic group requires further study as metachronous CRC risk in early-onset sporadic CRC has not been well-defined, and some may harbor undefined/undiagnosed hereditary conditions. Abnormal MSI (LS risk) is not associated with ECR; abnormal MSI results often return postoperatively after segmental resection has already occurred, which is a contributing factor.

Prevalence of gluten-free diet adherence among individuals without celiac disease in the USA: results from the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010

OBJECTIVES

Clinical inference suggests the prevalence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity is substantially higher than that of celiac disease in the USA. Unfortunately, there are currently no data supporting these claims. The authors analyzed nationally representative data to estimate the prevalence of adherence to a gluten-free diet among participants without celiac disease and also to characterize the demographics and general health status of these participants.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010 enrolled 7762 individuals representing the civilian, non-institutionalized, US population free of celiac disease. Participants responded to interviewer administered questionnaires regarding current adherence to a gluten-free diet. Prevalence estimates were computed using SAS survey procedures.

RESULTS

There were 49 individuals who reported current adherence to a gluten-free diet reflecting a weighted prevalence of 0.548% (95% CI 0.206-0.889). The prevalence of a gluten-free diet was higher in females (0.58%) than males (0.37%), although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.34). Participants reporting a gluten-free diet were older (46.6 vs. 40.5 years, p = 0.005), had higher high-density lipoprotein, lower iron and lower body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated national prevalence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity is 0.548%, approximately half that of celiac disease. Future studies are merited in order to better understand the population burden of non-celiac gluten sensitivity.