Cancer incidence in a population-based cohort of individuals hospitalized with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis

Cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease: record linkage study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the risk of cancers in cohorts of patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or coeliac disease, compared with the risk in a control cohort.

METHOD

The method used was the analysis of a linked statistical database of hospital and mortality data in an area in southern England.

RESULTS

Rate ratios for cancer (excluding cases occurring within the first year of follow-up), compared with the value of 1 in the control cohort, were 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13-1.39] in patients with ulcerative colitis, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.11-1.45) with Crohn's disease, and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.94-1.43) with coeliac disease. In patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, there was a significantly high risk of cancer of the colon [2.22 (95% CI, 1.71-2.83) and 1.64 (95% CI, 1.09-2.39), respectively]. In patients with ulcerative colitis there was a significantly high risk of cancer of the rectum [1.84 (95% CI, 1.27-2.58)]. In patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, who did not undergo partial or total colectomy for it, the rate ratios for colon cancer were, respectively, 5.52 (95% CI, 4.39-6.71) and 4.81 (95% CI, 3.52-6.47). In ulcerative colitis, there was an elevated risk of cancer of the rectum, liver and ovary. The rate ratio for lung cancer was low, but of borderline significance [0.72 (95% CI, 0.50-0.98)]. In Crohn's disease, the rate ratio was high for cancer of the cervix [2.63 (95% CI, 1.12-5.29)]. In patients with coeliac disease, the high-risk cancer was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [rate ratio 3.28 (95% CI, 1.49-6.28)].

CONCLUSION

All three diseases carry an increased risk of cancer overall when the first year cases are included, though fairly modest in scale, and the increased risk seen in coeliac disease reduces when first year cases are excluded. Each has a distinctive pattern of individual high-risk cancers.

Effect of a gluten-free diet on the risk of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma in celiac disease

Patients with celiac disease have an increased rate of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, but conflicting data are available about the protective role of a gluten-free diet with regard to the development of this malignancy. We followed 1,757 celiac patients for a total period of 31,801 person-years, collecting data about the frequency of gluten intake and the incidence of the enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. Out of the nine celiac patients who developed an intestinal lymphoma [standard morbidity ratio of 6.42 (95% CI = 2.9-12.2; P < 0.001)], only two kept a strict gluten-free diet after the diagnosis of celiac disease and developed the malignancy after the peridiagnosis period of 3 years, dropping therefore the standard morbidity ratio to 0.22 (95%CI = 0.02-0.88; P < 0.001). The risk of developing an intestinal lymphoma for the celiac patients that used to have dietary gluten was significant (X(2 )= 4.8 P = 0.01). These results show that a strict gluten-free diet is protective towards the development of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma.

Oral manifestations of celiac disease

INTRODUCTION

Contrary to early beliefs, celiac disease (CD) is relatively common; however, it still remains underdiagnosed since most cases are atypical, with few or no gastrointestinal symptoms and predominance of extraintestinal manifestations. As a consequence, the diagnosis of the disorder often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Also some oral ailments have been described in celiac patients. In this study, we review the papers that have reported oral manifestations in subjects with CD.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases using appropriate key words. Additional papers were selected by cross-referencing from the retrieved articles.

RESULTS

Dental enamel defects are the oral lesions most closely related to CD. There are conflicting data on the association between CD and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A correlation of CD with atrophic glossitis has been reported, although robust evidence in support of it is lacking. Patients with CD have caries indexes seemingly lower than healthy individuals, but they may experience delay in tooth eruption. Occurrence of other oral mucosal lesions in CD subjects is likely occasional.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with systematic dental enamel defects should be screened for CD even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms. CD screening tests for patients with oral aphthae or idiopathic atrophic glossitis should be selectively considered during a medical evaluation that focuses on all aspects of the patient's status.

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.

Long-term follow-up of individuals with celiac disease: an evaluation of current practice guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Celiac disease can be treated by following a strict gluten-free diet for life. If properly followed, the diet resolves symptoms and nutritional deficiencies. It is generally recommended that individuals with celiac disease have careful long-term follow-up. However, it is not clear which elements of disease status evaluation, laboratory investigations and self-management support should be included in follow-up.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the current practice guidelines and recommendations regarding follow-up of individuals with celiac disease.

METHODS

Guidelines issued by gastroenterological societies and associations, and recommendations by experts were retrieved using Medline and other Internet search engines.

RESULTS

Practice guidelines were available from the American Gastroenterological Association; the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference 2004; the World Gastroenterology Organization; the British Society for Gastroenterology and the United Kingdom-based Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology. Most guidelines recommended a scheduled annual review and regular measurements of body mass index. The British Society for Gastroenterology recommended dietary review only at times of stress, while others recommended dietary review with a nutritionist. All associations recommended serial tissue transglutaminase antibody testing. The American Gastroenterological Association and the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology recommended annual hemoglobin, ferritin and folate checks. One guideline recommended annual hemoglobin, electrolyte, calcium, albumin, ferritin, folate, fat-soluble vitamin, liver function test, parathyroid hormone and bone density measurements (approximately $400 per patient).

CONCLUSIONS

The current practice guidelines regarding the follow-up of patients with celiac disease varied greatly in their recommendations and many were not evidence-based. Prospective studies are required to develop rational, cost-effective and risk-stratified guidelines for long-term follow-up of these patients.

Risk of thromboembolism in 14,000 individuals with coeliac disease

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was examined in individuals with coeliac disease (CD). The Swedish national inpatient register was used to identify 14 207 individuals with a diagnosis of CD (1964-2003). These individuals were matched for age, sex, calendar year and county with 69 048 reference individuals. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for subsequent thromboembolism in individuals with more than 1 year of follow-up and no prior VTE. CD was associated with an increased risk of subsequent VTE (HR = 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-2.24). The risk increase was restricted to individuals with CD diagnosed in adulthood. Risk estimates were not affected by the presence of diabetes mellitus or concomitant surgery. Compared with inpatients as reference individuals, CD individuals remained at increased risk of subsequent VTE (adjusted HR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.06-1.52). In conclusion, this study found a statistically significantly positive association between CD and VTE. This modest association might be explained by a combination of surveillance bias and chronic inflammation.

Cardiomyopathy, pericarditis and myocarditis in a population-based cohort of inpatients with coeliac disease

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the risk of myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and pericarditis in patients with celiac disease (CD) from a general population cohort.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Through the Swedish national registers we identified 9363 children and 4969 adults with a diagnosis of CD (1964-2003). These individuals were matched with upto five reference individuals for age, sex, calendar year and county (n = 69 851). Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for later heart disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Myocarditis, cardiomyopathy (any or dilated), and pericarditis defined according to relevant international classification of disease codes in the Swedish national inpatient register.

RESULTS

Celiac disease diagnosed in childhood was not associated with later myocarditis (HR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.0-1.5), cardiomyopathy of any type (HR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.2-3.7), or pericarditis (HR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.1-1.9). Restricting our analyses to adulthood CD and heart disease diagnosed from 1987 and onwards in departments of cardiology/internal medicine, we found no association between CD and later myocarditis (HR = 2.1; 95% CI = 0.4-11.7), dilated cardiomyopathy (HR = 1.7; 95% CI = 0.4-6.5) or pericarditis (HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.5-4.0).

CONCLUSION

This study found no association between CD, later myocarditis, cardiomyopathy or pericarditis.

Risk of pancreatitis in 14,000 individuals with celiac disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine the risk of pancreatitis in patients with celiac disease (CD) from a general population cohort.

METHODS

By using Swedish national registers, we identified 14,239 individuals with a diagnosis of CD (1964-2003) and 69,381 reference individuals matched for age, sex, calendar year, and county of residence at the time of diagnosis. Cox regression estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for a subsequent diagnosis of pancreatitis. We restricted analyses to individuals with more than 1 year of follow-up and no diagnosis of pancreatitis before or within 1 year after study entry. Conditional logistic regression estimated the association of pancreatitis with subsequent CD.

RESULTS

CD was associated with an increased risk of subsequent pancreatitis of any type (HR, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-4.4; P < .001; on the basis of 95 positive events in individuals with CD vs 163 positive events in reference individuals) and chronic pancreatitis (HR, 19.8; 95% CI, 9.2-42.8; P < .001; on the basis of 37 and 13 positive events, respectively). Adjustment for socioeconomic index, diabetes mellitus, alcohol-related disorders, or gallstone disease had no notable effect on the risk estimates. The risk increase for pancreatitis was only found among individuals with CD diagnosed in adulthood. Pancreatitis of any type (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.5-4.3; P < .001) and chronic pancreatitis (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI, 4.0-13.5; P < .001) were associated with subsequent CD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that individuals with CD are at increased risk of pancreatitis.

Unexplained polyarthralgia and celiac disease

Celiac disease is an immunological disorder whose best-known manifestations are gastrointestinal symptoms. However, early joint manifestations are common and frequently overlooked features of celiac disease. We report a case in which unexplained inflammatory polyarthralgia and iron-deficiency anemia led to the diagnosis of celiac disease. Autoimmune thyroiditis was also a feature. Early diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease protect patients against complications such as digestive neoplasis. A simple and rapid tool for achieving the early diagnosis is the measurement of the serum of anti-gliadin, anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. However, a duodenal biopsy remains the only means of making the definitive diagnosis of celiac disease.

Familial prevalence among first-degree relatives of celiac disease in North India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prevalence of celiac disease is increased in first-degree relatives with reported prevalence rates in the west between 2.8 and 10%. Paucity of similar data from Asia and the Indian subcontinent prompted us to determine the familial prevalence of celiac disease in first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with this disorder in Northern India.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-nine first-degree relatives (66 parents, 71 siblings and 32 children) of 53 probands were screened by using anti tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Duodenal biopsy was performed in all seropositive relatives and graded as per Marsh classification. Patients with both positive serology and biopsy suggestive of celiac disease were classified as typical celiac disease whereas those with only positive serology were classified as potential celiacs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of celiac disease among first-degree relatives was 8.2% (14/169). The prevalence of celiac disease among siblings (15.6%) was much higher as compared to that in parents (3.5%) and offspring (3%). More than one family member was affected in 23% (12/53) of families. Of 14 new cases detected by targeted screening, 11 (78%) were overtly symptomatic with either chronic diarrhoea (8) or easy fatiguability (3). Growth retardation was seen in all six newly diagnosed children, three of whom (22%) were otherwise asymptomatic. Eight members detected to be seropositive had minimal changes on duodenal biopsy (Marsh I and II) suggesting that they have potential celiac disease.

CONCLUSION

Familial prevalence of celiac disease in North India is similar to the data from the West. However unlike the situation in the West, the overwhelming majority of first-degree relatives in India are overtly symptomatic with majority having chronic diarrhoea. Since gluten restriction is a highly effective treatment modality, early detection of these patients would result in significant improvement in quality of life as manifested by cessation of diarrhoea and improvement in growth and lab parameters. Our data strongly supports the targeted screening of all first-degree relatives of celiac disease patients in north India.

Silent celiac disease activated by pancreaticoduodenectomy

Diarrhea and weight loss are common after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and arise from varying etiologies. An uncommon but important cause for these symptoms is the postoperative activation of silent celiac disease. We sought to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a series of patients with silent celiac disease unmasked after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and to summarize the existing case reports on this association. A search of the electronic medical record at our institution was performed cross-referencing terms associated with celiac disease and pancreaticoduodenectomy for the years 1976-2004. Cases were then reviewed to ensure that no signs or symptoms attributable to celiac disease were present preoperatively. Seven patients were identified; five were male, and the median age was 56. All patients underwent surgery for a presumed pancreatic or ampullary malignancy. Six patients developed symptoms ultimately attributable to celiac disease immediately after pancreaticoduodenectomy, most commonly diarrhea and weight loss. A single patient had silent celiac disease incidentally diagnosed at pancreaticoduodenectomy that remained silent postoperatively on an unrestricted diet. Symptoms completely resolved in 4 of 6 patients after initiation of a gluten-free diet, with partial improvement in the remaining 2 patients. The median delay from pancreaticoduodenectomy to diagnosis of celiac disease in the 6 symptomatic patients was 6 months. Clinicians should consider celiac disease as a potential diagnosis in patients with failure to thrive and diarrhea after pancreaticoduodenectomy. This entity is uncommon, but may be under-recognized. The underlying mechanism may relate to an increased antigenic load secondary to postsurgical changes in intestinal physiology.

Searching for genes influencing a complex disease: the case of coeliac disease

Recently, a few genes have been reported to be causative in inflammatory diseases. Still, we are waiting for the vast majority to be discovered. New tools for genotyping and statistical analysis have been developed and emphasis has been put on study design. Coeliac disease (CD) is a disorder, where prolamins in dietary wheat gluten and related proteins from rye or barley are not tolerated. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in humans exceeding a population prevalence of 1%. In this article, we will summarise what is currently known about the genetics influencing CD with the emphasis on the non-HLA genetic component. We will discuss some difficulties when searching for susceptibility genes in disorders with complex inheritance patterns.

A population-based study of coeliac disease, neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that coeliac disease (CD) is associated with several neurological diseases. However, the evidence of such an association is inconclusive as earlier research has often been based on small numbers with retrospective data collection.

AIM

To use Cox regression to examine the risk of neurological disease in individuals with CD.

METHODS

Through Swedish national registers we identified some 14 000 individuals with a diagnosis of CD (1964-2003) and 70 000 reference individuals matched for age, sex, calendar year and county.

RESULTS

Coeliac disease was associated with later polyneuropathy [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.4; 95% CI = 2.3-5.1]. We found no statistically significant association between CD and subsequent multiple sclerosis (HR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.3-2.3), Parkinson's disease (HR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.8-1.9), Alzheimer's disease (HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.9-2.6), hereditary ataxia (HR = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.5-3.6), the symptom ataxia (HR = 1.9; 95% CI = 0.6-6.2), Huntington's disease (HR = 1.7; 95% CI = 0.3-8.6), myasthenia gravis (HR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.2-3.8) or spinal muscular atrophy (HR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.1-3.8). Prior polyneuropathy was associated with subsequent CD (odds ratio = 5.4; 95% CI = 3.6-8.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between CD and polyneuropathy indicates shared risks. We suggest that individuals with polyneuropathy routinely undergo screening for CD. There is no notable association between CD and other neurological outcomes investigated in this study.

The Canadian Celiac Health Survey

The purpose of this study was to characterize the diagnostic process, frequency of associated disorders, family history, and impact of a gluten-free diet in individuals with celiac disease. All members of the Canadian Celiac Association (n=5240) were surveyed with a questionnaire. Respondents included 2681 adults with biopsy-proven celiac disease. The mean age was 56 years. Most common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (83%), diarrhea (76%), and weight loss (69%). The mean delay in diagnosis was 11.7 years. Diagnoses made prior to celiac disease included anemia (40%), stress (31%), and irritable bowel syndrome (29%). Osteoporosis was common. Prior to diagnosis, 27% of respondents consulted three or more doctors about their symptoms. Delays in diagnosis of celiac disease remain a problem. Associated medical conditions occur frequently. More accurate food labeling is needed. Improved awareness of celiac disease and greater use of serological screening tests may result in earlier diagnosis and reduced risk of associated conditions.

Long-term mortality in people with celiac disease diagnosed in childhood compared with adulthood: a population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

To explore whether the excess mortality in celiac disease is related directly to the disease and duration of gluten exposure before diagnosis we have examined the long-term mortality experience of people with celiac disease diagnosed as children and as adults.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty-five children and 340 adults diagnosed with celiac disease were followed until death, loss to follow-up, or December 31, 2004. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS

All-cause mortality more than 5 yr after diagnosis was increased threefold in children (SMR 3.32, 95% CI 2.05-5.07) compared with only a 38% increase in adults (SMR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16-1.63). This excess mortality in children was primarily because of an increased risk of death from accidents, suicide, and violence (seven deaths, SMR 3.22, 95% CI 1.29-6.63), cancer (five deaths, SMR 3.72, 95% CI 1.21-8.67), and cerebrovascular disease (two deaths, SMR 10.03, 95% CI 1.21-36.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Children diagnosed with celiac disease had a threefold increased risk of long-term mortality. This is in marked contrast to the experience of adult celiac disease where the long-term increase of mortality was modest. The increased mortality in children from external causes may reflect behavioral change associated with coping with a chronic disease and its treatment.

Etiologies and predictors of diagnosis in nonresponsive celiac disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonresponsive celiac disease (NRCD) is a common problem affecting from 7% to 30% of celiac patients. Because NRCD comprises varied and potentially morbid entities, efficient and cost-effective patient care requires knowledge of the specific causes of this disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the common etiologies of NRCD in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

All cases of biopsy examination-proven celiac disease (CD) seen at our institution over the preceding 5 years were included in this study. NRCD was defined as a failure to respond to at least 6 months of treatment with a gluten-free diet or the re-emergence of symptoms or laboratory abnormalities typical of CD while still on treatment with a gluten-free diet.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients with NRCD meeting the earlier-described criteria were seen from a total of 603 patients with CD (19%), however, among patients for whom we provided primary specialist care the incidence of NRCD was 10% (P < .001). Gluten exposure was the most common cause of NRCD (36%), followed by irritable bowel syndrome (22%), refractory CD (10%), lactose intolerance (8%), and microscopic colitis (6%). The mean immunoglobulin A tissue transglutaminase level in the gluten-exposed group was 67 vs 17 U/mL (normal, <20) for other diagnoses (P < .05). Weight loss and male sex were highly predictive of refractory CD (P < .05 and < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

NRCD is a common phenomenon affecting 10%-19% of celiac patients. A limited number of etiologies account for the majority of cases. Clinical factors may be used to guide evaluation.

Delayed diagnosis of coeliac disease increases cancer risk

BACKGROUND

The association between coeliac disease (CD) and neoplasms has been long established, but few data are available about the risk factors. The aim of this paper is to estimate the risk of developing a neoplasm among non diagnosed coeliac patients and to evaluate if this risk correlates with the age of patients at diagnosis of coeliac disease.

METHODS

The study population consists of patients (n = 1968) diagnosed with CD at 20 Italian gastroenterology referral Centers between 1st January 1982 and 31st March 2005.

RESULTS

The SIR for all cancers resulted to be 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0-1.7 p < 0.001. The specific SIRs for non Hodgkin lymphoma was 4.7; 95% CI = 2.9-7.3 p < 0.001, for the small bowel carcinoma 25; 95% CI = 8.5-51.4 p < 0.001, for non Hodgkin lymphoma 10; 95% CI = 2.7-25 p = 0.01, finally for the stomach carcinoma 3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.9 p < 0.08. The mean age at diagnosis of CD of patients that developed sooner or later a neoplasm was 47,6 +/- 10.2 years versus 28.6 +/- 18.2 years of patients who did not.

CONCLUSION

Coeliac patients have an increased risk of developing cancer in relation to the age of diagnosis of CD. This risk results higher for malignancies of the gastro-intestinal sites. An accurate screening for tumors should be performed in patients diagnosed with CD in adulthood and in advancing age.

Recent advances in the understanding of celiac disease: therapeutic implications for the management of pediatric patients

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition occurring in genetically susceptible individuals characterized by inflammatory injury to the mucosa of the small intestine after the ingestion of wheat glutens or related barley and rye products. Originally thought to be highly prevalent only in Northern European populations, growing evidence indicates a much higher prevalence in many other regions, including the US as well as South America, North Africa, and Asia. The growing awareness that pediatric patients may present with quite diverse and protean manifestations and the significant impact of CD on childhood development has prompted efforts to increase CD awareness for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The current diagnostic criteria for CD requires characteristic histologic findings in small bowel biopsies and clinical remission when placed on a gluten-free diet. Serologic testing for CD can provide additional support for the diagnosis of CD or a means to assess efficacy and adherence to a gluten-free diet. The mainstay of treatment remains the institution of a gluten-free diet. However, patients with refractory CD may require treatment with immunosuppressant medications. With the increased identification of specific gluten epitopes and understanding of the pathogenesis of CD, future therapies may rely on genetically altering gluten proteins, immunization techniques, or therapies focused on either the development of specific immune tolerance or regulation of mucosal inflammation.

Nutritional deficiencies in celiac disease

Celiac disease is characterized by small bowel enteropathy, precipitated in genetically susceptible individuals by the ingestion of "gluten," which is a term used to encompass the storage proteins of wheat, rye, and barley. Although the intestine heals with removal of gluten from the diet, the intolerance is permanent and the damage recurs if gluten is reintroduced. This damage causes a wide variety of consequence including maldigestion and malabsorption, resulting in the characteristic, although not universal, features of malnutrition. This article examines recent advances in the understanding of the spectrum of celiac disease, illustrates the impact of celiac disease on nutrition, and describes approaches to the management of the disease.

Coeliac disease and risk of schizophrenia and other psychosis: a general population cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Several case reports and a recent study on coeliac disease (CD) and family history of schizophrenia indicate a link between CD and schizophrenia. The objective of our study was to determine the risk of non-affective psychosis in patients with CD in a national general population cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We identified 14,003 individuals with a diagnosis of CD in the Swedish national inpatient register between 1973 and 2003. From the population register, Statistics Sweden then identified five reference individuals matched for age and calendar year at diagnosis, gender and county (n=68,125). Only individuals with more than one year of follow-up after the CD diagnosis was first recorded or a corresponding date in reference individuals were included in the analyses. The risk of subsequent non-affective psychosis in individuals with CD was estimated by Cox regression.

RESULTS

CD was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of any non-affective psychosis (hazard ratio (HR)=1.55; 95% CI=1.16-2.06; p=0.003) (65 positive events in 14,003 individuals with CD and 216 positive events in 68,125 individuals without CD); this increased risk was largely due to the association with non-schizophrenic non-affective psychosis (HR=1.61; 95% CI=1.19-2.20; p=0.002: 56 positive events in individuals with CD and 180 among reference individuals). There was no statistically significant association with subsequent schizophrenia (HR=1.43; 95%=0.77-2.67; p=0.261: 14 positive events in individuals with CD and 50 among reference individuals).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with CD may be at increased risk of non-affective psychosis.

Coeliac disease and the risk of fractures - a general population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Earlier studies have suggested that untreated coeliac disease may be associated with osteoporosis, but results are contradictory for the risk of long-term fractures.

AIM

To study the association between coeliac disease and fractures.

METHODS

We used Cox regresson to examine the future risk of hip fracture and fracture of any type in more than 13 000 individuals with coeliac disease and 65 000 age- and sex-matched reference individuals in a general population-based cohort.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 1365 first hip fractures and 4847 fractures of any type occurred. Coeliac disease was positively associated with subsequent hip fracture (hazard ratio = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.8-2.4) (in children: hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.1-6.2) and fractures of any type (hazard ratio = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.3-1.5) (in children: hazard ratio = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0-1.2). The absolute excess risk of hip fractures in children with coeliac disease was 4/100 000 person-years. Incidence ratios for hip fracture in individuals with CD were around two both prior to diagnosis of coeliac disease and afterwards; this risk increase remained 20 years after diagnosis of coeliac disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with coeliac disease, including children with coeliac disease, may be at increased risk of hip fracture and fracture of any type. Coeliac disease may be positively associated with long-term hip fracture risk.

Malignancy and mortality in a population-based cohort of patients with coeliac disease or ‘gluten sensitivity’

AIM: To determine the risk of malignancy and mortality in patients with a positive endomysial or anti-gliadin antibody test in Northern Ireland.

METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study design was used. Laboratory test results used in the diagnosis of coeliac disease were obtained from the Regional Immunology Laboratory, cancer statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and mortality statistics from the General Registrar Office, Northern Ireland. Age standardized incidence ratios of malignant neoplasms and standardized mortality ratios of all-cause and cause-specific mortality were calculated.

RESULTS: A total of 13 338 people had an endomysial antibody and/or an anti-gliadin antibody test in Northern Ireland between 1993 and 1996. There were 490 patients who tested positive for endomysial antibodies and they were assumed to have coeliac disease. There were 1133 patients who tested positive for anti-gliadin antibodies and they were defined as gluten sensitive. Malignant neoplasms were not significantly associated with coeliac disease; however, all-cause mortality was significantly increased following diagnosis. The standardized incidence and mortality ratios for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were increased in coeliac disease patients but did not reach statistical significance. Lung and breast cancer incidence were significantly lower and all-cause mortality, mortality from malignant neoplasms, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and digestive system disorders were significantly higher in gluten sensitive patients compared to the Northern Ireland population.

CONCLUSION: Patients with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity had higher mortality rates than the Northern Ireland population. This association persists more than one year after diagnosis in patients testing positive for anti-gliadin antibodies. Breast cancer is significantly reduced in the cohort of patients with gluten sensitivity.

Celiac disease and risk of liver disease: a general population-based study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Celiac disease (CD) is an important cause of hypertransaminasemia. CD might also be associated with severe forms of liver disease. We investigated the risk of liver disease in 13,818 patients with CD (1964-2003) and 66,584 age- and sex-matched reference individuals from a general population cohort.

METHODS

We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for later liver disease and conditional logistic regression to estimate the risk of CD in individuals with liver disease before study entry.

RESULTS

CD was associated with an increased risk of acute hepatitis (HR, 5.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-14.40; P = .001), chronic hepatitis (HR, 5.84; 95% CI, 2.89-11.79; P < .001), primary sclerosing cholangitis (HR, 4.46; 95% CI, 2.50-7.98; P < .001), fatty liver (HR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.35-27.16; P = .018), liver failure (HR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.22-4.88; P < .001), liver cirrhosis or liver fibrosis (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.34-3.72; P < .001), and primary biliary cirrhosis (HR, 10.16; 95% CI, 2.61-39.49; P < .001). There was no increased risk of liver transplantation (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.12-9.62; P = .954). Adjustment for socioeconomic index or diabetes mellitus had no notable effect on the risk estimates. Prior liver disease was associated with a statistically significant 4-fold to 6-fold increased risk of later CD.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that individuals with CD are at increased risk of both prior and subsequent liver disease.

The iceberg of celiac disease: what is below the waterline?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We explored the relationships between anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody and indirect measures of malabsorption and disease activity in people with undetected celiac disease.

METHODS

From the Cambridge General Practice Health Study, 7550 participants' serum samples were tested for antiendomysial antibody (EMA). The 87 samples positive for EMA were tested for human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (TGA). Multivariate linear regression was used to explore the relationship between TGA concentrations and various physiologic and anthropometric measures.

RESULTS

Among the 87 EMA-positive people, there were consistent relationships between increasing TGA levels and various physiologic and anthropometric measures. A 50% increase in the mean TGA level was associated with a 0.02 g/cm2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.03 to -0.009) lower mean hip bone mineral density, a 0.1 g/dL (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.01) lower mean hemoglobin, a 0.22 kg/m2 (95% CI, -0.46 to 0.03) lower mean body mass index, a 0.09 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.16 to -0.02) lower serum cholesterol, and a 0.1 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.16) higher random blood glucose concentration, independent of age, sex, and smoking habit.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationships we found between concentrations of TGA and various physiologic and anthropometric variables suggest that in reality, celiac disease is a continuum with a variable degree of severity. Although clinically overt disease is defined by symptoms, signs, and small bowel histology, the severity of previously undetected disease variously labeled in the past as silent, potential, or latent could, instead, be estimated by the concentration of a detectable serum antibody.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder, induced by the intake of gluten proteins present in wheat, barley and rye. Contrary to common belief, this disorder is a protean systemic disease, rather than merely a pure digestive alteration. CD is closely associated with genes that code HLA-II antigens, mainly of DQ2 and DQ8 classes. Previously, it was considered to be a rare childhood disorder, but is actually considered a frequent condition, present at any age, which may have multiple complications. Tissue transglutaminase-2 (tTG), appears to be an important component of this disease, both, in its pathogenesis and diagnosis. Active CD is characterized by intestinal and/or extra-intestinal symptoms, villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, and strongly positive tTG auto-antibodies. The duodenal biopsy is considered to be the "gold standard" for diagnosis, but its practice has significant limitations in its interpretation, especially in adults. Occasionally, it results in a false-negative because of patchy mucosal changes and the presence of mucosal villous atrophy is often more severe in the proximal jejunum, usually not reached by endoscopic biopsies. CD is associated with increased rates of several diseases, such as iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, several neurologic and endocrine diseases, persistent chronic hypertransami-nasemia of unknown origin, various types of cancer and other autoimmune disorders. Treatment of CD dictates a strict, life-long gluten-free diet, which results in remission for most individuals, although its effect on some associated extraintestinal manifestations remains to be established.

Malignant lymphomas in autoimmunity and inflammation: a review of risks, risk factors, and lymphoma characteristics

Certain autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have consistently been associated with an increased risk of malignant lymphomas, but it is unclear whether elevated lymphoma risk is a phenomenon that accompanies inflammatory conditions in general. Likewise, it is debated whether the increased risk identified in association with some disorders pertains equally to all individuals or whether it varies among groups of patients with different phenotypic or treatment-related characteristics. It is similarly unclear to what extent the increased lymphoma occurrence is mediated through specific lymphoma subtypes. This update reviews the many findings on risks, risk levels, and lymphoma characteristics that have been presented recently in relation to a broad range of chronic inflammatory, including autoimmune, conditions. Recent results clearly indicate an association between severity of chronic inflammation and lymphoma risk in RA and Sjögren's syndrome. Thus, the average risk of lymphoma in RA may be composed of a markedly increased risk in those with most severe disease and little or no increase in those with mild or moderate disease. The roles of immunosuppressive therapy and EBV infection seem to be limited. Furthermore, RA, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and possibly celiac disease may share an association with risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, in addition to well-established links of Sjögren's syndrome with risk of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and of celiac disease with risk of small intestinal lymphoma. However, there is also obvious heterogeneity in risk and risk mediators among different inflammatory diseases.

Coeliac disease and risk of tuberculosis: a population based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease often characterised by malnutrition and linked to a number of complications such as an increased risk of lymphoma, adverse pregnancy outcome, and other autoimmune diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) affects a large proportion of the world population and is more common in individuals with malnutrition. We investigated the risk of TB in 14 335 individuals with CD and 69 888 matched reference individuals in a general population based cohort study.

METHODS

Cox proportional hazards method was used to calculate the risk of subsequent TB in individuals with CD. In a separate analysis, the risk of CD in individuals with prior TB was calculated using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

CD was associated with an increased risk of subsequent TB (hazard ratio (HR) 3.74, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.53; p < 0.001). Similar risk estimates were seen when the population was stratified for sex and age at CD diagnosis. Individuals with CD were also at increased risk of TB diagnosed in departments of pulmonary medicine, infectious diseases, paediatrics, or thoracic medicine (HR 4.76, 95% CI 2.23 to 10.16; p < 0.001). The odds ratio for CD in individuals with prior TB was 2.50 (95% CI 1.75 to 3.55; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CD is associated with TB. This may be due to malabsorption and lack of vitamin D in persons with CD. Individuals with TB and gastrointestinal symptoms should be investigated for CD.

Increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in celiac disease

Patients with celiac disease have an increased rate of malignancies that are not limited to lymphomas. Thyroid carcinoma has not previously been associated with celiac disease. However, among a cohort of patients with celiac disease, we identified an increased risk of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, standard morbidity ratio of 22.52 (95% confidence interval 14.90-34.04; P < .001), compared to United States national surveillance data. These patients were on a gluten-free diet. Only 1 had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, suggesting that mechanisms apart from autoimmune thyroiditis contribute to the increased risk of carcinoma of the thyroid in celiac disease.

Hematologic manifestations of celiac disease

Celiac disease is a common systemic disorder that can have multiple hematologic manifestations. Patients with celiac disease may present to hematologists for evaluation of various hematologic problems prior to receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease. Anemia secondary to malabsorption of iron, folic acid, and/or vitamin B12 is a common complication of celiac disease and many patients have anemia at the time of diagnosis. Celiac disease may also be associated with thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, venous thromboembolism, hyposplenism, and IgA deficiency. Patients with celiac disease are at increased risk of being diagnosed with lymphoma, especially of the T-cell type. The risk is highest for enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETL) and B-cell lymphoma of the gut, but extraintestinal lymphomas can also be seen. ETL is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis, but strict adherence to a gluten-free diet may prevent its occurrence.

Screening for celiac disease in asymptomatic children with Down syndrome: cost-effectiveness of preventing lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Studies demonstrate an increased prevalence of celiac disease in persons with Down syndrome, leading some organizations and authors to recommend universal screening of children with Down syndrome. However, many children with Down syndrome are asymptomatic, and the long-term implications of screening are unknown. The complication of celiac disease that leads to mortality in the general population is non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this research in asymptomatic children with Down syndrome was to (1) calculate the number needed to screen to prevent a single case of lymphoma and (2) present a cost-effectiveness study of screening.

METHODS

We constructed a decision tree using probabilities derived from the published literature for Down syndrome or from the general population where Down syndrome-specific data were not available. Celiac disease was determined by serologic screening and confirmation with intestinal biopsy. Sensitivity analysis was used to alter probability estimates affecting the cost of preventing lymphoma.

RESULTS

Using our baseline values, the no-screen strategy is dominant; that is, screening not only costs more but also results in fewer quality-adjusted life-years. A screening strategy costs more than $500,000 per life-year gained. Screening all asymptomatic children with Down syndrome for celiac disease costs almost $5 million to prevent a single case of lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

These analyses do not support the cost-effectiveness of screening, and more data are needed before recommendations to screen asymptomatic children with Down syndrome for celiac disease can be made.

Nutritional management of the gluten-free diet in young people with celiac disease in The Netherlands

BACKGROUND

For young people with celiac disease, adherence to the gluten-free diet may be difficult to achieve and gluten restriction may lead to insufficient nutrient intake and unbalanced food intake resulting in overweight. In The Netherlands, no nutritional information is available. Therefore, we evaluated the nutritional management and nutritional state in young celiac patients.

METHODS

The Dutch Celiac Society invited all its members aged 12 to 25 years to complete a food record and a questionnaire. Nutrient intakes were compared with the recommendations and the intake in the general population. Total immunoglobin A, endomysial antibody, tissue transglutaminase and IgA gliadin were determined, and height and weight were assessed.

RESULTS

Strict dietary compliance was reported by 75%. The fiber and iron intakes were significantly lower, and the saturated fat intake significantly higher than recommended but comparable with the general population. Most of the patients (61%) found the diet easy to follow. Regular medical controls were reported by 86% but regular dietary controls by only 7% of the patients. Mean and SD scores for height and body mass index were -0.3 +/- 1.1 and -0.3 +/- 0.8, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary compliance in this group is high, the nutritional state is adequate, but the nutrient intake is not. Better medical and dietary support is necessary to prevent long-term complications and to achieve an ongoing satisfying management in this group of young patients with a chronic disorder.

Celiac disease and childhood cancer

Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy developing in genetically predisposed individuals after mucosal contact with gluten, secondary to unknown triggering factors. An increased rate of malignancies in adults with celiac disease has been confirmed in several studies, but there is considerable evidence that a gluten-free diet protects against the development of cancer. The association between celiac disease and childhood cancer is not clear. Few cases are reported in the literature. Here, we report the cases referred to our pediatric oncology unit with a review of the literature.

Malignancies and mortality in patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: 30-year population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To assess the long-term risks of malignant diseases and mortality in patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis in a centre, where the prevalence of these diseases is high. The risks have probably been overestimated, as patients with subtle forms have earlier remained undetected.

PATIENTS

The study comprised 17,245 person-years of follow-up in 1147 patients.

METHODS

The observed numbers of malignancies and causes of deaths were assessed, and compared to those expected, and standardised incidence ratio and standardised mortality ratio given.

RESULTS

The occurrence of all malignant conditions was equal to that in the population both in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: standardised incidence ratios of 1.2 (95% confidence intervals 0.9-1.5) and 1.0 (0.6-1.5), respectively. Five patients with coeliac disease and seven with dermatitis herpetiformis had developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma; standardised incidence ratios of 3.2 (1.0-7.5) and 6.0 (2.4-12.4), respectively. Four patients with coeliac disease and one with dermatitis herpetiformis had enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, associated with inadequate dietary compliance. Mortality was increased (standardised mortality ratio 1.26; 1.00-1.55) in coeliac disease, but decreased in dermatitis herpetiformis (standardised mortality ratio 0.52; 0.36-0.72).

CONCLUSION

The overall prognosis in our patients was good. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma emerged in patients with undiagnosed or poorly treated coeliac disease. The mortality rate in dermatitis herpetiformis was even lower than in the population. Our data support the early diagnosis and dietary treatment of these conditions.

Lymphoma and other malignancies in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a cohort study on cancer incidence and lymphoma predictors

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of lymphoproliferative disease or other malignancy (standardised incidence ratios (SIRs)), in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome according to the American-European Consensus Criteria (AECC), compared with patients with sicca syndrome (non-AECC) and the background population. To identify predictors of malignancy and describe lymphoma types and survival probabilities.

METHODS

A linked register study using information from the Malmö Primary SS Register, Swedish Cancer Register, and Cause-of-Death Register for calculation of SIRs was carried out. Detected lymphomas were reclassified according to the WHO classification. Cox regression analysis was used to study the predictive value of clinical, laboratory, and histological findings at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

507 patients with a median follow up of 8 years (range 1 month to 19 years) were included. SIRs (95% confidence interval (CI)) for malignancies in total and for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) were 1.42 (0.98 to 2.00) and 15.57 (7.77 to 27.85), respectively, in those fulfilling the AECC (n = 286). In non-AECC sicca patients (n = 221) SIR for malignancy of any kind was 0.77 (0.41 to 1.32); no lymphoproliferative neoplasms were detected. Significant predictors of lymphoproliferative disease were purpura/skin vasculitis (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.64, 95% CI 1.13 to 16.45), low complement factor C3 (HR = 6.18, 95% CI 1.57 to 24.22), low C4 (HR = 9.49, 95% CI 1.94 to 46.54), CD4+ T lymphocytopenia (HR = 8.14, 95% CI 2.10 to 31.53), and a low CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio < or = 0.8 (HR = 10.92, 95% CI 2.80 to 41.83). 7/12 (58%) NHLs were diffuse large B cell lymphomas.

CONCLUSION

A 16-fold increased risk for development of NHL was found. CD4+ T lymphocytopenia is an additional strong risk factor for developing lymphoma.

Outcome of infants with celiac disease

AIMS

Determine the proportion of infants whose celiac disease (CD) was confirmed in childhood and evaluate their prognosis in adulthood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The diagnosis of CD was established between 1971 and 1982 in 84 infants based on intestinal biopsy data; a gluten-free diet was prescribed and the cohort followed prospectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-six infants were followed less than 5 years. A second biopsy was performed in 25. Mucosa had healed in 13 and remained atrophic in 12. Three children developed partial villous atrophy between 6 and 12 years of age in spite of the gluten-free diet. Forty-five patients underwent a gluten challenge between 5 and 10 years of age: in 41 histological lesions relapsed, in two mucosa remained normal and clinical and immunological relapse developed in two. Among those 45 patients, 18 were examined after 18 years follow-up: the exclusion diet was resumed in four, overt clinical relapse developed in four and four experienced intermittent gastrointestinal disorders. All biopsies performed during a period of normal diet showed villous atrophy (except in one patient) without correlation with clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of celiac disease in infants was confirmed in nearly all cases in childhood. When they reached adulthood, these patients had few symptoms but their histological lesions persisted. These data are in favor of a lifelong exclusion diet.

Coeliac disease: a diverse clinical syndrome caused by intolerance of wheat, barley and rye

Coeliac disease is a lifelong intolerance to the gluten found in wheat, barley and rye, and some patients are also sensitive to oats. The disease is genetically determined, with 10% of the first-degree relatives affected and 75% of monozygotic twins being concordant. Of the patients with coeliac disease 95% are human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 positive. Characteristically, the jejunal mucosa becomes damaged by a T-cell-mediated autoimmune response that is thought to be initiated by a 33-mer peptide fragment in A2 gliadin, and patients with this disorder have raised levels of anti-endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies in their blood. Coeliac disease is the major diagnosable food intolerance and, with the advent of a simple blood test for case finding, prevalence rates are thought to be approximately 1:100. Classically, the condition presented with malabsorption and failure to thrive in infancy, but this picture has now been overtaken by the much more common presentation in adults, usually with non-specific symptoms such as tiredness and anaemia, disturbance in bowel habit or following low-impact bone fractures. Small intestinal biopsy is necessary for diagnosis and shows a characteristically flat appearance with crypt hypoplasia and infiltration of the epithelium with lymphocytes. Diet is the key to management and a gluten-free diet effectively cures the condition. However, this commitment is lifelong and many aisles in the supermarket are effectively closed to individuals with coeliac disease. Compliance can be monitored by measuring antibodies in blood, which revert to negative after 6-9 months. Patients with minor symptoms, who are found incidentally to have coeliac disease, often ask whether it is necessary to adhere to the diet. Current advice is that dietary adherence is necessary to avoid the long-term complications, which are, principally, osteoporosis and small bowel lymphoma. However, risk of these complications diminishes very considerably in patients who are on a gluten-free diet.

Long-term follow-up of coeliac disease--what do coeliac patients want?

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease affects up to 1% of the population and the British Society of Gastroenterology recommends long-term follow-up of these patients, although the absolute risk of complications is small.

AIM

To determine what proportion of patients with coeliac disease remain under specialist follow-up and to examine patients' perspectives on the long-term management of coeliac disease.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to 183 patients who had a duodenal biopsy between July 1994 and July 2004 which was consistent with coeliac disease.

RESULTS

A total of 126 (69%) patients returned their questionnaire. Patients had on average been diagnosed with coeliac disease 5.4 years earlier. Eighty-eight percentage were trying to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Sixty-two percentage of patients were under regular follow-up although this varied between hospital clinic (doctor/dietitian, 92%) and General Practitioner (8%). Most patients found at least one aspect of the hospital out-patient clinic very useful. The preferred method of coeliac disease follow-up was to see a dietitian with a doctor being available (P < 0.05 vs. all other options).

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents to this study showed great variation in follow-up of their coeliac disease -38% were under no active follow-up. Patients would prefer to see a dietitian for long-term follow-up.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disease caused by intolerance to gluten. It is characterized by immune-mediated enteropathy, associated with maldigestion and malabsorption of most nutrients and vitamins. In predisposed individuals, the ingestion of gluten-containing food such as wheat and rye induces a flat jejunal mucosa with infiltration of lymphocytes. The main symptoms are: stomach pain, gas, and bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, edema, bone or joint pain. Prevalence for clinically overt celiac disease varies from 1:270 in Finland to 1:5000 in North America. Since celiac disease can be asymptomatic, most subjects are not diagnosed or they can present with atypical symptoms. Furthermore, severe inflammation of the small bowel can be present without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis should be made early since celiac disease causes growth retardation in untreated children and atypical symptoms like infertility or neurological symptoms. Diagnosis requires endoscopy with jejunal biopsy. In addition, tissue-transglutaminase antibodies are important to confirm the diagnosis since there are other diseases which can mimic celiac disease. The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown but is thought to be primarily immune mediated (tissue-transglutaminase autoantigen); often the disease is inherited. Management consists in life long withdrawal of dietary gluten, which leads to significant clinical and histological improvement. However, complete normalization of histology can take years.

European multi-centre study on coeliac disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but there is little information about whether this is true for clinically silent CD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency of CD in two European populations; one with NHL and another derived from the general population.

METHODS

A prospective, multi-centre, case-control study in 10 European countries was conducted between May 1998 and April 2001. A total of 1446 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NHL aged over 18 years was collected. The control group consisted of a population of 9676 individuals who were screened for CD. The number of patients with a previous diagnosis of CD and those with silent CD detected by screening were determined in the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients with CD had a significantly increased risk of developing NHL [odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-4.9]. This risk was only present in patients with CD diagnosed clinically before the study (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-7.9), but not in those with silent CD detected by screening (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.6-2.7).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD have an increased risk of developing NHL, although this is lower than previously thought. Clinically silent CD is rare in patients with NHL.

Coeliac disease in the father and risk of adverse pregnancy outcome: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The risk of adverse foetal outcomes was investigated in offspring to men with coeliac disease (CD) diagnosed prior to infant birth and in offspring to men who did not receive a diagnosis of CD until after the delivery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort study was based on national registry data restricted to women aged 15-44 years with singleton live-born infants, with linkage between the Swedish national birth registry (1973-2001) and the national inpatient registry (1964-2001). A total of 1059 offspring to men who had received a diagnosis of CD were included: 554 offspring to men diagnosed prior to birth and 505 offspring to men diagnosed after infant birth.

RESULTS

Undiagnosed CD in the father was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) for AOR=1.13-2.95; p=0.014) but was otherwise not linked to adverse pregnancy outcome: (intrauterine growth retardation (OR=1.37; 95% CI=0.91-2.07), low birth-weight (OR=1.41; 95% CI=0.93-2.12), very low birth-weight (OR=1.21; 95% CI=0.39-3.77), preterm birth (OR=1.10; 95% CI=0.74-1.62), and very preterm (OR=0.62; 95% CI=0.09-4.40)). A paternal diagnosis of CD made before infant birth was not associated with adverse foetal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

CD in the father is not a risk factor for unfavourable foetal outcome. The increased risk for caesarean section in offspring to men with undiagnosed CD in this study may be due to multiple comparisons.

Risk for malignant lymphoma in ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide Swedish case-control study

BACKGROUND

Several inflammatory conditions are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma. The specific features of inflammation that mediate this risk are unknown. There are few studies on whether ankylosing spondylitis increases the risk of lymphoma. Besides inflammation-lymphoma aetiology, information on risk of lymphoma in ankylosing spondylitis is particularly important as a benchmark in the evaluation of, for example, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.

METHODS

The association between ankylosing spondylitis and malignant lymphomas overall, and separately for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, was assessed in a nationwide, population-based case-control study of 50 615 cases of lymphoma and 92 928 matched controls by using prospectively recorded data on lymphomas from the Swedish Cancer Register (1964-2000) and data on pre-lymphoma hospitalisations for ankylosing spondylitis from the Swedish Inpatient Register (1964-2000). The odds ratios (ORs) associated with pre-lymphoma hospitalisation for ankylosing spondylitis were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

23 (0.05%) patients with lymphoma and 41 (0.05%) controls had a pre-lymphoma hospitalisation listing ankylosing spondylitis, relative risk = 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 to 1.7). The number of discharges and the mean latency between ankylosing spondylitis and lymphoma were similar in patients and controls. Analyses restricted to lymphomas diagnosed during the 1990s showed similar results (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.5, number of exposed cases/controls = 14/21).

CONCLUSIONS

On average and in the absence of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors, patients hospitalised with ankylosing spondylitis do not appreciably show an increased risk of lymphoma.

Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by subtype

BACKGROUND

Some autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Because different NHL subtypes develop at different stages of lymphocyte differentiation, associations of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with specific NHL subtypes could lead to a better understanding of lymphomagenic mechanisms.

METHODS

In a population-based case-control study in Denmark and Sweden, 3055 NHL patients and 3187 matched control subjects were asked about their history of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, markers of severity, and treatment. Logistic regression with adjustment for study matching factors was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NHL overall and for NHL subtypes.

RESULTS

Risks of all NHL were increased in association with rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.9), primary Sjögren syndrome (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 1.4 to 27), systemic lupus erythematosus (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.0 to 22), and celiac disease (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0 to 4.8). All of these conditions were also associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and some were associated with marginal zone, lymphoplasmacytic, or T-cell lymphoma. Ever use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic corticosteroids, and selected immunosuppressants was associated with risk of NHL in rheumatoid arthritis patients but not in subjects without rheumatoid arthritis. Also, multivariable adjustment for treatment had little impact on risk estimates. Psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory bowel disorders were not associated with increased risk of NHL overall or of any NHL subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the associations between certain autoimmune disorders and risk of NHL and suggest that the associations may not be general but rather mediated through specific NHL subtypes. These NHL subtypes develop during postantigen exposure stages of lymphocyte differentiation, consistent with a role of antigenic drive in autoimmunity-related lymphomagenesis.

Celiac disease: current concepts in diagnosis and treatment

Celiac disease is a complex autoimmune enteropathy that affects the small bowel in genetically predisposed individuals. It is thought that celiac disease is the result of an inappropriate T cell-mediated immune response against ingested gluten protein. The characteristic lesion of the small intestinal mucosa includes loss of absorptive villi and infiltration of the lamina propria with inflammatory cells. The clinical presentation of celiac disease varies greatly depending on patient's age, duration and extent of the disease, and the presence of extraintestinal manifestations. Unfortunately, most patients with celiac disease have either silent or atypical presentations, thus escaping diagnosis for several years. Medical nutrition therapy with lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet is the only accepted treatment of celiac disease. Individuals at risk for this entity should undergo appropriate serologic testing, but there is no evidence to support mass screening.

Chemoprevention for colon cancer: new opportunities, fact or fiction?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still a disease with a high incidence and mortality. Prevention of (pre-) cancerous lesions of CRC by endoscopic screening is promising, but costs are high and identification of high-risk populations is difficult. Since screening both average-risk and high-risk populations for CRC has its logistic and financial limitations, new primary prevention strategies are sought. Substantial evidence has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective COX-2 inhibitors can reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. However, long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with substantial gastrointestinal toxicity and may cause an exacerbation in IBD patients. Selective COX-2 inhibitors, with a better toxicity profile and no flare-up in IBD disease activity, are therefore attractive candidates for prevention. Chemoprevention with low-dose aspirin can be considered for individuals carrying a high risk for CRC. Folate supplementation is beneficial to the folate-depleted patients, since significant risk reductions for CRC are reported. Moreover, it might be applicable to the general population because it is safe, inexpensive and protects against vascular diseases. In line with drugs beneficial for multiple disease entities, statins have recently been proposed to reduce CRC risk. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been shown to decrease the incidence of colonic dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis and PSC and possibly reduces recurrence rates of polyps in general. Unfortunately, prospective randomized trials, in both high-risk and general population, are not available and the evidence is still controversial. Furthermore, cumulative epidemiological and observational data suggest the potential role of hormones as a chemoprotective agent. An increase in CRC in females with an early menopause, as well as a decrease of CRC in women with hormone replacement therapy justify further research into this issue. In IBD patients, both the severity and duration of the inflammation are the most evident risk factors for the development of dysplasia and subsequently cancer. Remission of inflammation, clinically, endoscopically and histologically, in IBD is the major goal. Long-term use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) has been shown to decrease the incidence of CRC and may hold the best promise as a chemoprotective agent in IBD. In parallel with primary prevention strategies in vascular medicine, the aim might be to postpone adenoma formation, for instance for 10 years, thereby achieving a significant risk reduction for CRC. In current practice, folate supplementation along with low-dose aspirin use in high-risk patients may be most attractive candidates, while future studies will have to clarify the role of these and other chemoprotective agents.