Adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis do not show an increased frequency of the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotypes predisposing to celiac disease

Intragastric administration of transamidated gliadin interferes with the systemic and intestinal immune responses to wheat gliadin in DQ8 transgenic mice

We have previously shown the ability of transamidated gluten (spf) to modulate both innate and adaptive intestinal immunity elicited by wheat gliadin in HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice (DQ8 mice), a model of gluten sensitivity. Herein, we evaluated the influence of spf when administered intragastrically on the immune response to native gliadin in DQ8 mice. To address the issue, we analysed three regimens of antigen administration: before immunisation (pre-treatment), during immunisation (co-treatment) and through breast milk during the lactating phase (suckling treatment). Mice were immunised mucosally by intranasal delivery of digested wheat gliadin along with cholera toxin in multiple doses. After sacrifice, isolated spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells were challenged in vitro and the cytokine profile of culture supernatants assessed by ELISA and multiparametric assay. We found that only pre-treatment with spf was effective in down-regulating the gliadin-specific IFN-γ response and only in spleen cells. Interestingly, spf pre-treatment also induced systemic IL-6, IL-17A and TNF-α. By contrast, we found that spf pre-treatment upregulated INF-γ in MLN but also significantly decreased IL-2. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that the preventive intragastric administration of transamidated gluten is able to interfere with the classical cytokine profile induced by gliadin via mucosal immunisation in a transgenic model expressing one of the HLA molecules associated with coeliac disease.

Association of celiac disease with eosophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic eosophagitis

BACKGROUND

Aim of the study was to evaluate the association between celiac disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis/oesophageal eosinophilia in children.

METHODS

A total of 278 patients with celiac disease (mean age: 7.12 ± 4.64 years, M/F: 0.77) were involved in the study. The patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of clinical, endoscopic and histopathological findings. The association between celiac disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis/oesophageal eosinophilia was determined.

RESULTS

According to Marsh classification system 6 (2.1%) of the patients were graded type 3A, 10 (3.5%) were type 3B, 262 (94.4%) were type 3C. The histopathological examination of oesophageal biopsy specimens of the patients revealed <15 eosinophils per high power field in only 4 (1.4%) patients. Two of these patients were positive for HLA DQ8, one was DQ2, and the other one was both DQ8 and DQ2. Tissue transglutaminase IgA level was above 300 U/mL in these patients. None of them had elevated serum total IgE levels, peripheral eosinophilia and history of atopic diseases. The gastrointestinal symptoms resolved and tissue transglutaminase IgA level of the patients were declined after 3 months of gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSION

Although an association between celiac disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis/oesophageal eosinophilia have been postulated in recent years, no exact relationship was established in this study. This is the first study reporting the performance of follow-up GI endoscopy with biopsies revealing the resolution of oesophageal eosinophilia.

Esophageal Eosinophilia and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Celiac Children: A Ten Year Prospective Observational Study

The association between eosinophilic esophagitis and celiac disease is still controversial and its prevalence is highly variable. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis in a large group of children with celiac disease, prospectively followed over 11 years.

METHODS

Prospective observational study performed between 2008 and 2019. Celiac disease diagnosis was based on ESPGHAN criteria. At least four esophageal biopsies were sampled in patients who underwent endoscopy. The presence of at least 15 eosinophils/HPF on esophageal biopsies was considered suggestive of esophageal eosinophilia; at the same time, eosinophilic esophagitis was diagnosed according to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

RESULTS

A total of 465 children (M 42% mean age 7.1 years (range: 1-16)) were diagnosed with celiac disease. Three hundred and seventy patients underwent endoscopy, and esophageal biopsies were available in 313. The prevalence of esophageal eosinophilia in children with celiac disease was 1.6% (95% CI: 0.54-2.9%). Only one child was diagnosed as eosinophilic esophagitis; we calculated a prevalence of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2-0.5%). The odds ratio for an association between eosinophilic esophagitis and celiac disease was at least 6.5 times higher (95% CI: 0.89-47.7%; p = 0.06) than in the general population.

CONCLUSION

The finding of an increased number of eosinophils (>15/HPF) in celiac patients does not have a clinical implication or warrant intervention, and therefore we do not recommend routine esophageal biopsies unless clinically indicated.

Eosinophilic esophagitis-established facts and new horizons

Despite dramatic advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and course of disease in the relatively short timeframe since the discovery and first description of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) less than three decades ago, many open questions remain to be elucidated. For instance, we will need to better characterize atypical clinical presentations of EoE and other forms of esophageal inflammatory conditions with often similar clinical presentations, nut fulfilling current diagnostic criteria for EoE and to determine their significance and interrelationship with genuine EoE. In addition, the interrelationship of EoE with other immune-mediated diseases remains to be clarified. Hopefully, a closer look at the role of environmental factors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility often in context of atopic predisposition may enable identifying the candidate substances/agents/allergens and potentially earlier (childhood) events to trigger the condition. It appears plausible to assume that in the end—comparable to current concepts in other immune-mediated chronic diseases, such as for instance inflammatory bowel disease or asthma bronchiale—we will not be rewarded with the identification of a “one-and-only” underlying pathogenetic trigger factor, with causal responsibility for the disease in each and every EoE patient. Rather, the relative contribution and importance of intrinsic susceptibility, i.e., patient-driven factors (genetics, aberrant immune response) and external trigger factors, such as food (or aero-) allergens as well as early childhood events (e.g., infection and exposure to antibiotics and other drugs) may substantially differ among given individuals with EoE. Accordingly, selection and treatment duration of medical therapy, success rates and extent of required restriction in dietary treatment, and the need for mechanical treatment to address strictures and stenosis require an individualized approach, tailored to each patient. With the advances of emerging treatment options, the importance of such an individualized and patient-centered assessment will increase even further.

Epidemiology and risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis: lessons for clinicians

INTRODUCTION

The rapid expansion in the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is being documented, along with cumulative research assessing environmental exposures associated with EoE and susceptibility due to genetic variants.

AREAS COVERED

Incidence rates for EoE of 5-10 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually have shown an increase in recent reports of up to 20 in some countries; the highest prevalence being reported for Europe and North America, where EoE now affects more than 1 out of 1,000 people. EoE has been shown to be associated with several disorders, Th2-mediated atopies being the most common. Patients with EoE exhibit increased frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema, and EoE has been considered as a late component of the atopic march. Risk variants in TSLP, CAPN14 and LRCC32 genes, among others, have all been related to EoE, and interact with prenatal and early life exposure potentially modifying abundance and composition of gut microbiome. Dysregulated interactions between bacteria and mucosal immunity emerge as leading causes of EoE.

EXPERT OPINION

The expanding epidemiology of EoE, the resources needed and subsequent increasing healthcare costs require additional effort to optimize cost-effective management and unveil mechanisms that enhance the development of future preventive strategies.

Early Life Risk Factors in Pediatric EoE: Could We Prevent This Modern Disease?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the esophagus. In the last 20 years, a large number of epidemiological studies showed a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of EoE, especially in developed countries. This phenomenon might correlate to the overall increase in pediatric allergic diseases or might be a result of improved medical awareness and knowledge through modern diagnostic instruments. Since 1993, when EoE was first recognized as a distinct clinical entity, several signs of progress in the pathophysiology of EoE were achieved. However, a few studies reported data on early risk factors for pediatric EoE and how these factors may interfere with genes. Currently, the most defined risk factors for EoE are male sex, Caucasian race, and atopic comorbidities. Other putative risk factors may include alterations in epithelial barrier function and fibrous remodeling, esophageal dysbiosis, variation in the nature and timing of oral antigen exposure, and early prescription of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. Notably, the timing and nature of food antigen exposure may be fundamental in inducing or reversing immune tolerance, but no studies are reported. This review summarized the current evidence on the risk factors that might contribute to the increasing development of EoE, focusing on the possible preventive role of early interventions.

Epidemiology and Natural History of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has emerged over the past 2 decades as a major cause of upper gastrointestinal morbidity. Over this time, the epidemiology of EoE has also rapidly evolved. EoE has transformed from a rare case-reportable condition to disease that is commonly encountered in the gastroenterology clinic, hospital emergency room, and endoscopy suite. The incidence and prevalence are increasing at rates that outpace increased disease recognition. Current incidence estimates range from 5 to 10 cases per 100,000, and current prevalence estimates range from 0.5 to 1 case per 1000. We review the data and potential reasons behind this increase, examine risk factors, and identify important areas for research into disease etiology. The article also discusses the progression of EoE from an inflammatory to fibrostenotic phenotype. An accurate view of the natural history of EoE is central to discussions with patients regarding disease prognosis and decisions about long-term use of medical, endoscopic, and diet therapies. Progressive remodelling appears to be gradual, but not universal, and the duration of untreated disease is the best predictor of stricture risk. Ultimately, prospective, long-term outcome studies focusing on multiple aspects of disease activity are needed to fully understand the natural history of EoE.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis and coeliac disease: is there an association?

A 25-year-old man was seen in outpatient clinic for progressive solid food dysphagia. He was already medicated with a proton pump inhibitor with no improvement. His blood tests showed a slight microcytic anaemia and peripheral eosinophilia. The oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy showed longitudinal furrows in the distal two-thirds of the oesophagus and a concentric distal stenosis. The biopsies taken showed eosinophilic infiltrates consistent with eosinophilic oesophagitis. There was no improvement with topical fluticasone, so the patient was started on a systemic corticosteroid with resolution of dysphagia and of the oesophageal stenosis. He was kept on topical steroids for symptomatic control. On repeat endoscopy, the duodenal mucosa showed multiple papules that were biopsied. Histology showed features consistent with coeliacdisease. The patient was asymptomatic but there was evidence of iron deficiency anaemia, and so a gluten-free diet was started. Despite only a partial adherence to the diet, the iron deficiency anaemia resolved.

Elevated Serum Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the clinical and histopathological characteristics of children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and elevated anti-transglutaminase (TTG Ab) with those with EoE and normal TTG Ab titres.

METHODS

Single-center chart and blinded histopathological review of patients diagnosed with EoE for a 4-year period, who had esophageal and duodenal biopsies taken at time of endoscopy, and TTG Ab measured within 6 months of biopsy. Patients with histology-proven CD were excluded.

RESULTS

Elevated TTG Ab was present in 19/34 (54%) of the study cohort, representing 23% of all patients diagnosed with EoE during the study period. Eight had titers >6× upper limit of normal (ULN) and 4 had >10× ULN. TTG Ab-positive patients were classified as having either potential CD with (n = 3, 16%) and without lymphocytic duodenosis (LD; n = 12, 63%), and no CD (n = 4, 21%) on human leukocyte antigen typing. There was an increase in duodenal eosinophils in patients with elevated TTG Ab (P = 0.01), which remained when patients with LD were excluded (P = 0.018). Of 19 patients with EoE and elevated TTG Ab, 5 responded to elimination diet involving exclusion of wheat, including 2 with a sole wheat trigger and TTG Ab >10× ULN that were CD-associated human leukocyte antigen-negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum TTG Ab was elevated in almost one-quarter of our total EoE cohort, and at least 20% of these patients did not have potential CD, suggesting EoE is a heterogeneous disease with differing immune mechanisms activated in some patients. These findings also support routine esophageal biopsy during upper endoscopy in children with elevated TTG Ab.

Insights into the emerging epidemic of eosinophilic oesophagitis

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EOE) is a relatively recently recognised condition characterised by an increase in oesophageal eosinophils. EOE occurs in children and adults with a strong male preponderance. There has been a sharp increase in EOE in North America, Europe and Australia. The reasons for this increase remain unclear but are likely to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, as well as early-life exposures. Based on recent population-based data, the estimated EOE prevalence in the USA is 56.7 per 100,000 persons. The peak prevalence was observed in patients between 35 and 39 years of age. Prevalence figures in Asia and the Middle East generally appear to be lower than in Western countries, but population-based studies are not available. A causal association between coeliac disease and EOE appears unlikely. Data on the seasonal variation of EOE remain inconclusive. Further population-based studies are needed to define the epidemiology of EOE.

Disease associations in eosinophilic oesophagitis and oesophageal eosinophilia

Eosinophilic infiltration into oesophageal tissue, typical of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), has been described in several other conditions, including infections, hypersensitivity, and other autoimmune disorders. Since its description, EoE has been associated with an increasing number of diseases also characterized by tissue infiltration, including eosinophilic gastroenteritis and Crohn's disease. While an association between EoE and coeliac disease was previously reported, it is not supported by recent research. In contrast, EoE seems to be common in patients with a history of congenital oesophageal atresia, leading to hypotheses linking both disorders. The prevalence of EoE has also been shown to be eight times higher in patients with connective tissue disorders (CTDs), which has led to the proposal of an EoE-CTD phenotype, although this requires further assessment. This paper reviews the evidence of EoE's associations with several disorders, defining the common bases from an epidemiological, clinical, molecular and genetic perspective whenever possible.

Increased Risk of Esophageal Eosinophilia and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Patients With Active Celiac Disease on Biopsy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The possible association between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and celiac disease is controversial because prior results have been contradictory. We aimed to determine the relationship between EoE and celiac disease among patients with concomitant esophageal and duodenal biopsies.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a U.S. national pathology database by using data from January 2009 through June 2012. Our primary case definition was defined by the presence of esophageal eosinophilia with ≥15 eosinophils per high-power field. The crude and adjusted (for age and sex) odds of esophageal eosinophilia for patients with active celiac disease were compared with those without celiac disease. Sensitivity analyses were performed by using more stringent case definitions and by estimating the associations between celiac disease and reflux esophagitis and celiac disease and Barrett's esophagus.

RESULTS

Of 292,621 patients in the source population, 88,517 with both esophageal and duodenal biopsies were studied. Four thousand one hundred one (4.6%) met criteria for EoE, and 1203 (1.4%) met criteria for celiac disease. Odds of EoE were 26% higher in patients with celiac disease than in patients without celiac disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.60). The magnitude of association varied according to EoE case definition, but all definitions showed a weak positive association between the 2 conditions. There was no association between celiac disease and reflux esophagitis (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.85-1.07) or Barrett's esophagus (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69-1.14) and celiac disease.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a weak increase in EoE in patients with celiac disease. This association strengthened with increasingly stringent definitions of EoE and was not observed for other esophageal conditions. In patients with celiac disease, concomitant EoE should be considered in the correct clinical setting.

Gender is a determinative factor in the initial clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease resulting in symptoms of esophageal dysmotility. Abnormalities include dysphagia, food impaction and reflux. Although men appear to comprise a majority of the EoE population, few studies have directly assessed gender-associated clinical differences. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of gender on the initial clinical presentation of adult-onset EoE patients. We reviewed our electronic medical record database from January 2008 to December 2011 for adults diagnosed with EoE per the 2011 updated consensus guidelines. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, endoscopy findings and complications were recorded. Proportions were compared using chi-squared analysis, and means were compared using the Student's t-test. A total of 162 patients met the inclusion criteria and 71 (44%) were women. Women were more likely to report chest pain (P = 0.03) and heartburn (P = 0.06), whereas men more commonly reported dysphagia (P = 0.04) and a history of food impaction (P = 0.05). Endoscopic findings were similar between groups. No patients suffered esophageal perforations. These data suggest that men report more fibrostenotic symptoms and women report more inflammatory symptoms at the time of diagnosis. There was no difference in endoscopic findings between genders. This is one of the only reviews comparing differences in clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and complications between gender for EoE. The current recommended guidelines state that any patient with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction should be biopsied for EoE. Our findings support biopsying patients with typical and atypical symptoms of dysmotility including heartburn and chest pain.

Systematic review: the association between eosinophilic oesophagitis and coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

The relationship between eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) and coeliac disease (CD) remains controversial, with studies yielding varied results.

AIM

To systematically review the evidence of a possible association between both diseases.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed with keywords relating to EoE and CD in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases. Summary estimates were calculated. A random-effects model was used depending on heterogeneity (I(2) ). Publication bias was assessed with the aid of funnel plot analysis, along with the Begg-Mazumdar, Harbord and Egger tests.

RESULTS

The search yielded 197 references; 30 were included in the quantitative summary, with most of these presenting methodological inconsistencies. Significant publication bias in favour of short studies reporting positive associations between both diseases was documented. The prevalence of EoE in CD ranged from 0% to 10.7% (I(2)  = 78.9%). Prevalence of CD in EoE varied between 0.16% and 57.1% (I(2)  = 89%). One high-quality, prospective, randomly selected, population-based study documented a 1.1% prevalence of CD, with no patients presenting EoE. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity hindered the performance of quantitative summaries for prevalence data. A gluten-free diet was effective in achieving histological remission of EoE in 32.1% of coeliac patients (95% confidence interval, 14.9-52.2%; I(2)  = 52.2%), which was similar to that expected for wheat elimination in EoE patients.

CONCLUSIONS

While a lack of valid studies prevents us from completely ruling out a true association between EoE and CD, currently available evidence does not support this hypothesis. Indeed, the only epidemiological study with sufficient validity points to the independence of both diseases.

Dietary therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a prevalent chronic esophageal disorder. Since the condition was first described, its pathophysiology has been known to have an immune-allergic origin, but the high response rate to dietary therapies based on feeding patients exclusively with amino acid-based elemental formulas (with complete elimination of table foods) has clearly established EoE as a particular form of food allergy. Nevertheless, the management of EoE in clinical practice remains widely heterogeneous, with topical steroids being a therapeutic mainstay. However, a growing body of evidence points to dietary therapy as an effective treatment option for both children and adults with EoE, as this approach is capable of achieving a sustained symptomatic and histological response without resorting to drugs. This article reviews the available data on the major types of dietary therapy for EoE, including elemental formula diets, skin allergy testing-directed elimination diets and empirical elimination diets based on common food allergens.

2013 update on celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis

Celiac disease is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder, characterized by small intestinal inflammation and villous atrophy after the ingestion of gluten by genetically susceptible individuals. Several extraintestinal manifestations have been associated to celiac disease. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a primary disorder of the esophagus characterized by upper gastrointestinal symptoms, absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and more than 15 eosinophils per high-power field in biopsy specimens. Both celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis are caused by aberrant, but distinct, immune responses to ingested antigens and can be responsive to restricted food intake. The aim of this review is to assess whether there is an association between these two pathologies. In the majority of the studies examined, including the studies in pediatric population, the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in subjects with celiac disease was about 10-times that of the general population. We suggest searching for eosinophilic esophagitis in all children undergoing endoscopy for suspicious celiac disease.

The association between celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults

Background

An association between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and celiac disease (CD) has been suggested in the literature. Our aim was to confirm and quantify the association between these two diseases.

Methods

All patients in a large Canadian city diagnosed with EoE or CD over a five-year period were identified. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Over the five-year study EoE was diagnosed in 421 patients and CD was diagnosed in 763 patients. The incidence of EoE ranged from 2.1 to 10.7 cases per 100,000 population. The incidence of CD ranged from 10.4 to 15.7 cases per 100,000 population. Among the EoE cohort, 83 (20%) cases of EoE and 245 (32%) cases of CD were diagnosed in pediatric patients. The incidence of EoE in the pediatric subpopulation ranged from 3.7 to 6.9 cases per 100,000 population. The incidence of CD in the pediatric subpopulation ranged from 9.5 to 22.7 cases per 100,000 population. The concomitant diagnosis of both EoE and CD was made in three patients, all of whom were pediatric males. The SIR for EoE in the CD cohort was 48.4 (95% CI = 9.73, 141.41) with a SIR for CD within the paediatric EoE cohort of 75.05 (95% CI = 15.08, 219.28).

Conclusions

This study confirms the association between EoE and CD. However, this association may be limited to pediatrics where the risk of each condition is increased 50 to 75-fold in patients diagnosed with the alternative condition. The concomitant diagnosis of these conditions should be considered in pediatric patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Human leukocyte antigen DQ2/8 prevalence in non-celiac patients with gastrointestinal diseases

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2/8 alleles in Southern Italians with liver and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases outside of celiac disease.

METHODS: HLA DQ2/8 status was assessed in 443 patients from three ambulatory gastroenterology clinics in Southern Italy (University of Federico II, Naples, Loreto Crispi Hospital, Ruggi D’Aragona Hospital, Salerno). Patients were grouped based on disease status [pre-post transplant liver disease, esophageal/gastric organic and functional diseases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)] and DQ2/8 alleles, which correspond to a celiac disease genetic risk gradient. Subject allele frequencies were compared to healthy Italian controls.

RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six out of four hundred and forty-three (44.2%) subjects, median age 56 years and 42.6% female, were DQ2/8 positive. When stratifying by disease we found that 86/188 (45.7%) patients with liver disease were HLA DQ2/8 positive, 39/73 (53.4%) with functional upper GI diseases and 19/41 (46.3%) with organic upper GI diseases were positive. Furthermore, 38/105 (36.2%) patients with IBS and 14/36 (38.9%) with IBD were HLA DQ2/8 positive (P = 0.21). Compared to healthy controls those with functional upper GI diseases disorders had a 1.8 times higher odds of DQ2/8 positivity. Those with liver disease had 1.3 times the odds, albeit not statistically significant, of DQ2/8 positivity. Both those with IBS and IBD had a lower odds of DQ2/8 positivity compared to healthy controls.

CONCLUSION: The proportion of individuals HLA DQ2/8 positive is higher in those with liver/upper functional GI disease and lower in IBS/IBD as compared to general population estimates.

Gluten-free diet does not appear to induce endoscopic remission of eosinophilic esophagitis in children with coexistent celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis are usually considered to be separate gastrointestinal diseases; however, it appears that they may coexist more often than would be expected. It is unknown whether eosinophilic esophagitis in patients with celiac disease responds to a gluten-free diet.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the clinical, endoscopic and histological features of children with both conditions to evaluate whether eosinophilic esophagitis responds to a gluten-free diet.

METHODS

From January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, the medical records of children <18 years of age diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and⁄or celiac disease were reviewed. Patients with clinical, endoscopic and histological diagnoses of both diseases were identified and included. These findings were analyzed, as were laboratory results, treatment and follow-up.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 206 celiac disease patients, 86 eosinophilic esophagitis patients and nine (4.4% of total celiac) patients with both diagnoses. Gluten-free diet was the primary treatment for both conditions in seven of nine (78%) cases. In six of these seven (86%) patients, no endoscopic or histological improvement of eosinophilic esophagitis was observed, while in one patient, histological remission of esophageal eosinophilia occurred while on a gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in patients with celiac disease was 4.4%, confirming a higher than expected prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis compared with the general population. In patients with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet did not appear to induce remission of coexistent endoscopic and histological features of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases--clinically diverse and histopathologically confounding

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases are a group of chronic diseases characterized by a range of symptoms caused by eosinophilic inflammation of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Other causes for eosinophilia need to be ruled out prior to making the diagnosis of EGIDs. The most common form of EGID is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an antigen-driven disease that afflicts children and adults and has been identified across the world. Histological features include dense eosinophilia of the esophageal mucosa, eosinophil degranulation, eosinophil microabscess formation, and other features of epithelial inflammation including basal zone hyperplasia and rete pege elongation. Treatments include dietary exclusions and topical corticosteroids.

Advances in coeliac disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article critically summarizes the recent scientific and clinical advances in coeliac disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological studies have shown that coeliac disease is as common in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe as in the western world. Genome-wide association studies continue to identify genetic susceptibilities that are both unique to coeliac disease and overlap with other autoimmune diseases. Human leukocyte antigen genotyping offers additional sensitivity in detecting coeliac disease in individuals who have self-prescribed gluten-free diets (GFD) or have atypical presentations. Immunological advances have highlighted the potential proinflammatory pitfalls of vitamin A supplementation in active coeliac disease and have enabled identification of oat and barley subsets that may be safely incorporated into coeliac diets. Large population-based studies have expanded our knowledge of the long-term risks of coeliac disease, in addition to excluding infertility as a cause for concern once a GFD has been established.

SUMMARY

The long-term implications of active coeliac disease emphasize the need for early detection and strict adherence to GFD, which remains the cornerstone of management. Technological advances in food modulation and immuno-therapies offer promise, but remain in the translational phases of clinical trials at present.

Esophageal manifestations of celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) may often be associated with various motor disorders affecting the different segments of the digestive tract, including the esophagus. Although it has not been universally reported, some available evidences indicate that pediatric and adult celiac patients could manifest a higher frequency of esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms compared to nonceliac patients. In addition, several published studies have consistently shown the efficacy of a gluten-free diet in rapidly controlling esophageal symptoms and in preventing their recurrence. Since the participation of gluten in the esophageal symptoms of CD seems clear, its intimate mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, and several hypothesis have been proposed, including the specific immune alterations characterizing CD, the reduction in nutrient absorption determining the arrival of intact gluten to distal gastrointestinal segments, and various dysregulations in the function of gastrointestinal hormones and peptides. Recent studies have suggested the existence of a possible relationship between CD and eosinophilic esophagitis, which should be more deeply investigated.