Quality of life in celiac disease patients: prospective analysis on the importance of clinical severity at diagnosis and the impact of treatment

Clinical Presentation and Spectrum of Gluten Symptomatology in Celiac Disease

Views on the clinical presentation and symptomatology of celiac disease have evolved alongside advances in disease detection and understanding of disease pathogenesis. Although historically regarded as a pediatric illness characterized by malabsorption, it is now better viewed as an immune illness of gluten-specific T cells with systemic manifestations affecting all ages. Its broad presentation, including frequent extraintestinal manifestations and asymptomatic disease, contributes to suboptimal disease detection. Adverse symptoms greatly impact patient quality of life and can result from chronic gluten exposure in untreated disease or those poorly responsive to the gluten-free diet. They can also present as acute symptoms after episodic gluten exposure. Functional gastrointestinal disease is a common comorbidity. Biomarkers like interleukin-2 that are highly sensitive and specific for celiac disease highlight a role for gluten-specific T cells in acute gluten symptomatology. A mechanistic understanding of symptoms will inform approaches to better measure and treat them effectively.

The Exploration of the Eating Experience in Adults with Celiac Disease: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

The adjustment to a strict gluten-free diet for adults diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) may lead to changes in the eating experience affecting the physical, social, and emotional states.

OBJECTIVE

Through the application of the Social Cognitive Transition Model of Adjustment, the aim of the study was to explore the adjustment in the eating experience in adults recently diagnosed with CD and transitioning to a gluten-free diet.

DESIGN

This was a qualitative phenomenological study conducted using semistructured interviews.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Seventeen adults from the midwestern United States who were diagnosed with CD between 6 months and 5 years before the study were recruited using social media CD sites and snowball sampling. Participants completed a semistructured interview on Zoom and the Celiac Disease Adherence Test and CeliacQ-7 questionnaires from May to November 2020.

STATISTICA ANALYSES PERFORMED

Two trained qualitative researchers engaged in four steps to reduce and contextualize the data: horizontilization, reduction and elimination, clustering and thematizing, and composition of textural description. During analysis, the Social Cognitive Transition Model of Adjustment was incorporated for organization of themes and text description.

RESULTS

There was moderate to high dietary adherence in 14 of 17 participants and quality of life scores ranged from 19 to 43 (median = 33). Five themes emerged aligning with Social Cognitive Transition Model of Adjustment, describing the adjustment in pre- and postdiagnosis eating experience and the coping and behaviors enacted during adjustment to a gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with CD, moving beyond problem solving and identifying psychosocial and emotional attributes in the adoption of a gluten-free diet need to be considered to promote maintenance of quality of life and dietary adherence.

Guidelines of the Italian societies of gastroenterology on the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis

INTRODUCTION

Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis are immune-mediated diseases triggered by the consumption of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. These guidelines were developed to provide general practitioners, paediatricians, gastroenterologists, and other clinicians with an overview on the diagnosis, management and follow-up of coeliac patients and those with dermatitis herpetiformis.

METHODS

Guidelines were developed by the Italian Societies of Gastroenterology. Following a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Statements and recommendations were developed by working groups consisting of gastroenterologists and a paediatrician with expertise in this field.

RESULTS

These guidelines provide a practical guidance for the diagnosis, management and follow-up of coeliac patients and dermatitis herpetiformis in children and adults, both in primary care and in specialist settings. We developed four sections on diagnosis, gluten-free diet, follow-up and risk of complications in adults, one section focused on diagnosis and follow-up in children and one on the diagnosis and management of dermatitis herpetiformis.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines may support clinicians to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with coeliac disease.

Population-based screening for celiac disease reveals that the majority of patients are undiagnosed and improve on a gluten-free diet

The impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on screen-detected celiac disease (CD) is currently ambiguous. We aimed to identify the population-based prevalence of undiagnosed adult CD and examine the impact of a GFD on screen-detected CD. In total, 12,981 adults participated in a population-based health study in Tromsø, Norway. Participants with increased levels of anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 IgA or anti-deamidated gliadin peptide IgG were invited to undergo gastroduodenoscopy with both histological and immunohistochemical examination of small-bowel biopsies. The prevalence of previously diagnosed CD was 0.37%. Additionally, the prevalence of previously undiagnosed CD was 1.10%. Thus, 1.47% of the population had CD, of whom 75% were previously undiagnosed. A GFD resulted in significant improvements in overall gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea, and health-related quality of life, with reduced abdominal discomfort (76%) and improved levels of energy (58%). The large majority of patients with adult CD were undiagnosed and benefited from a GFD with reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved health-related quality of life. In clinical practice, there should be a low threshold for CD testing even in the absence of abdominal complaints because most adult patients appear to consider their symptoms a part of their normal state and therefore remain untested and undiagnosed.Trial registration: Clinical Trials. Gov Identifier: NCT01695681.

The global burden of coeliac disease: opportunities and challenges

Coeliac disease is a systemic disorder characterized by immune-mediated enteropathy, which is caused by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. The clinical presentation of coeliac disease is highly variable and ranges from malabsorption through solely extra-intestinal manifestations to asymptomatic. As a result, the majority of patients with coeliac disease remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or experience a substantial delay in diagnosis. Coeliac disease is diagnosed by a combination of serological findings of disease-related antibodies and histological evidence of villous abnormalities in duodenal biopsy samples. However, variability in histological grading and in the diagnostic performance of some commercially available serological tests remains unacceptably high and confirmatory assays are not readily available in many parts of the world. Currently, the only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong, strict, gluten-free diet. However, many barriers impede patients' adherence to this diet, including lack of widespread availability, high cost, cross-contamination and its overall restrictive nature. Routine follow-up is necessary to ensure adherence to a gluten-free diet but considerable variation is evident in follow-up protocols and the optimal disease management strategy is not clear. However, these challenges in the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease suggest opportunities for future research.

Application of a Platform for Gluten-Free Diet Evaluation and Dietary Advice: From Theory to Practice

The present work aimed to analyze, through the GlutenFreeDiet digital platform, the evolution over one year of the nutritional status, dietary profile and symptoms present among celiac people on a gluten-free diet (GFD) while receiving individualized dietary advice. Twenty-seven adults and thirty-one celiac children/adolescents participated in the study. This was then followed up by three visits, at diagnosis, and after 3 and 12 months (vt0, vt3 and vt12). Participants filled out dietary and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaires. All patients received written personalized dietary advice from dietitians who interpreted data from the platform. Results obtained indicated that participants consumed proteins and lipids in excess and carbohydrates in defect. Low intakes of cereals, fruit and vegetables and high meat intakes were observed. However, gluten-free product (GFP) consumption and that of ultra-processed foods was reduced after 1 year in adults. Symptoms decreased after vt3 but recurred in vt12. Changes in ultra-processed foods and GFP intake, but lack of changes in the rest of the parameters suggested that the platform support was not effective enough. Even though the platform represents a useful tool for monitoring celiac patients and giving dietary advice, modules that require more continuous attention and nutritional education of patients should be provided for interventions to be more effective.

Clinical features and psychological impact of celiac disease at diagnosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to describe the socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical profiles of adult patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease (CeD) and their possible association with QoL and psychological symptoms.

METHODS

Adults newly diagnosed with CeD and residents in the Veneto region were included. Their sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, mode of diagnosis, duration of symptoms before diagnosis and comorbidities were recorded. All patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Between 2016 and 2019, 110 CeD patients (81% females, mean age 37.5) were recruited. At diagnosis, patients were categorized into classical (n = 56), nonclassical CeD (n = 49) and asymptomatic (n = 5) groups. Patients with classical presentation had a lower QoL than nonclassical patients, who were found to be more depressed. We observed a diagnosis delay of more than 7 months in more than 60% of patients with both classical and nonclassical presentations and we found that a longer duration of GI symptoms decreased the self-reported SF36 scores in the physical health (p = 0.002), social functioning (p = 0.03) and general health (p = 0.009) domains. Women had an overall lower self-perceived QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic presentation at CeD diagnosis, diagnostic delay and sex may affect QoL and psychological disorders.

Evaluation of Burden and Anxiety in Caregivers of Patients with Pediatric Celiac Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Anxiety and caregiver burden increase among caregivers for individuals with chronic disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the anxiety levels and caregiver burden among caregivers for cases with pediatric celiac disease (CD) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were applied to 29 parents caring for pediatric CD patients in January 2020, when COVID-19 cases had not yet been seen in Turkey. The study was designed prospectively. The scales were also reapplied to the same study group online during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020). The results were then compared.

Results Parents caring for 29 cases of pediatric CD; 21 mothers (72.4%), six fathers (20.7%), and two aunts (6.9%) took part in the study. Mean ZBI scores before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were 27.51 ± 14.12 (8–73) and 38.68 ± 10.95 (21–57), respectively ( p < 0.01). Mean BAI scores before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were 13.27 ± 7.65 (1–27) and 23.48 ± 12.40 (2–48), respectively ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion Increased anxiety and caregiver burden among caregivers of pediatric CD cases during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified for the first time in the literature in this study.

Quality of Life and Psychological Disorders in Coeliac Disease: A Prospective Multicentre Study

Coeliac disease (CeD) has been associated with psychological disorders and reduced quality of life. Our prospective study evaluated the changes in the quality of life, anxiety and depression in CeD patients up to two years after diagnosis. We recruited adult patients residing in the Veneto region with a new diagnosis of CeD. Several validated questionnaires were administered to measure quality of life, psychological symptoms and adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) at the time of diagnosis and after 1 and 2 years. Ninety-three patients reached the 1-year follow-up (81.7% were females with a median age at diagnosis of 35 years), and 55 patients reached the 2-year follow-up. We observed a significant improvement in quality of life, anxiety and depression scores at 1 year after diagnosis, particularly in patients who complied with a GFD. The improvements among classical CeD patients were similar to those observed in nonclassical patients except for anxiety, which improved only in patients with a classical presentation at diagnosis. Age, sex and other disease factors did not affect the change in quality of life (QoL) or other mood disorders. Most of the improvements measured 1 year after diagnosis and 2 years after diagnosis were not significant. In conclusion, QoL and mood disorders must be considered, and psychological counselling should be used when needed.

Nutritional Imbalances in Adult Celiac Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the small intestine, whose only effective treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD). It is characterized by the atrophy of the intestinal villi that leads to altered nutrient absorption. This study describes the nutritional imbalances which may be found in adults with CD following a GFD. During the first year of treatment, deficiencies will overcome as the intestinal mucosa recovers. Thus, biochemical data will show this progression, together with the decrease in symptoms. In contrast, in the long term, when a strict GFD is followed and mucosal recovery is achieved, analyzing nutrient intake makes more sense. Macronutrient consumption is characterized by its low complex carbohydrate and fiber intakes, and high fat (especially SFA) and sugar intakes. This profile has been related to the consumption of GFP and their nutritional composition, in addition to unbalanced dietary habits. The most notable deficiencies in micronutrients are usually those of iron, calcium and magnesium and vitamin D, E and some of group B. It is necessary to follow up patients with CD and to promote nutritional education among them, since it could help not only to achieve a gluten free but also a balanced diet.

Epidemiology and risk of psychiatric disorders among patients with celiac disease: A population-based national study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although several studies have linked CD to psychiatric diseases, there are limited data on this topic. Using a large database, we sought to describe the epidemiology of several psychiatric disorders in CD.

METHODS

We queried a multicenter database (Explorys Inc), an aggregate of electronic health record data from 26 major integrated healthcare systems from 2016 to 2020 consisting of 360 hospitals in the USA. A cohort of patients with a Systematized Nomenclature Of Medicine - Clinical Terms diagnosis of CD was identified. Multivariate analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.

RESULTS

Of the 37 465 810 patients in the database between 2016 and 2020, there were 112 340 (0.30%) individuals with CD. When compared with patients with no history of CD, patients with CD were more likely to have a history of anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 1.385; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.364-1.407), depression (OR: 1.918; 95% CI: 1.888-1.947), bipolar (OR: 1.321; 95% CI: 1.289-1.354), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR: 1.753; 95% CI: 1.714-1.792), eating disorder (OR: 15.84; 95% CI: 15.533-16.154), and childhood autistic disorder (OR: 4.858; 95% CI: 3.626-6.508). Patients with CD and psychiatric conditions were more likely to be smokers, with history of alcohol and substance abuse as well as a history of personality disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large database, patients with CD are at increased risk of having multiple psychiatric diseases including anxiety, depression, bipolar, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, and childhood autism. Individual care and referral to psychiatry when appropriate are warranted while taking care of this group of patients.

Effects of a 12-week HIIT + group mediated cognitive behavioural intervention on quality of life among inactive adults with coeliac disease: findings from the pilot MOVE-C study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the pilot MOVE-C study was to examine the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus lifestyle education program on quality of life (QoL), behavioural and psychosocial outcomes among inactive adults with coeliac disease.

DESIGN

This study used a 3 (time: baseline, immediately post and three months post) × 2 (group: experimental versus waitlist control) mixed design. After completing baseline testing, 41 participants were randomised to one of two groups: HIIT + or waitlist control (WLC). The HIIT + intervention involved twice-weekly HIIT, during which participants progressed to 14 × 30 s intervals (90% heart rate max; HRmax), with 2-minute recovery (50% HRmax). The HIIT + intervention also included six bi-weekly education sessions.

RESULTS

Participants in HIIT + reported significant improvements in QoL and exercise behaviour immediately post-intervention, and this was sustained three months post-intervention, whereas no changes in QoL nor exercise behaviour were reported in WLC. Improvements were also reported among HIIT + immediately after the intervention for gastrointestinal symptoms and self-compassion. All participants reported significant improvements in adherence to a GFD immediately post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this pilot study provide preliminary evidence that a tailored exercise and lifestyle intervention can lead to improved QoL, exercise behaviour, gastrointestinal symptoms and self-compassion among inactive adults with coeliac disease.

Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet on Quality of Life and Health Perception in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Asymptomatic Celiac Disease

CONTEXT

Celiac disease (CD) is a common comorbidity seen in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is frequently asymptomatic. As chronic conditions requiring significant lifestyle changes, there are limited reports assessing changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during transition to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in patients with T1D who are asymptomatic for CD.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to prospectively assess HRQoL and health perception in children and adults with T1D and asymptomatic CD after random assignment to GFD vs usual diet.

METHODS

Patients with T1D aged 8 to 45 years without CD symptoms were serologically screened for CD, with positive results confirmed with intestinal biopsy. Participants were randomly assigned in an open-label fashion to a GFD or gluten-containing diet (GCD) for 12 months. Generic and diabetes-specific HRQoL and self-perceived wellness (SPW) were assessed longitudinally.

RESULTS

A total of 2387 T1D patients were serologically screened. CD was biopsy-confirmed in 82 patients and 51 participants were randomly assigned to a GFD (N = 27) or GCD (N = 24). Excellent adherence to the assigned diets was observed. Overall, no changes in generic (P = .73) or diabetes-specific HRQoL (P = .30), or SPW (P = .41) were observed between groups over 12 months. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and gastrointestinal symptoms were consistent predictors of HRQoL and SPW.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL and SPW were not significantly affected by the adoption of a GFD over 12 months, but worsened with symptom onset and increased HbA1c. Our findings indicate that transition to a GFD can be made successfully in this population without adversely affecting quality of life.

Health related QoL in celiac disease patients in Slovenia

BACKGROUND

Measurements of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among celiac disease patients using a validated questionnaire have been lacking in Slovenia. This study aims to measure HRQoL in celiac disease (CD) patients using EQ-5D internationally validated questionnaire and comparing it to the HRQoL of the general population.

METHODS

In this cross sectional analysis all of the approximately 2000 members of the Slovenian Celiac Society were invited to take part. We used a 3 step approach for recruitment and data collection. HRQoL was evaluated through the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L instrument (Slovenian version) and analysed using the ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Out of 321 patients who gave their consent, 247 celiac patients were included in the study (77%). 68% of the participants were female and 53% of them lived in an urban setting. Most patients originated from North-East Slovenia, whereas approximately 30% of patients came from other Slovenian regions. The EQ-5D respondents' self-reported health status at the time of the study show that most patients have slight or no problems when living with CD. The duration of the gluten-free diet, academic education and rare (< 1 × year) doctor visits affect EQ-5D in a positive way. On the other hand, higher age and chronic rheumatic disease were negatively associated with EQ-5D also when compared to the general population.

CONCLUSION

This is the first Slovenian study to measure the HRQoL of Slovenian CD patients, using an internationally validated questionnaire. The results of our study show that HRQoL is slightly impaired among Slovenian patients with CD. Clinical characteristics are better determinants of their HRQoL than socio-demographic factors. Greater awareness of the impact of CD on patients' HRQoL would improve the holistic management of CD patients.

Evaluation of Quality of Life of Adult Patients with Celiac Disease in Argentina: From Questionnaire Validation to Assessment

This cross-sectional study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, validate, and apply a Celiac Disease Quality of Life (CD-QoL) questionnaire to a representative sample of Argentina’s celiac population. A previously developed and validated questionnaire (Celiac Disease Questionnaire: CDQ) was chosen as a tool for assessing the health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) of adult celiac patients in Argentina. Therefore, the study was performed in four stages: (a) translation and re-translation of the CDQ to Argentinian-Spanish language; (b) cultural adaptation and semantic evaluation; based on the Delphi method (c) validation of the CDQ by applying it to a representative sample of Argentinian celiac patients; (d) statistical analysis of the data. The result of stages (a) and (b) was a translated and culturally adapted an Argentinian-Spanish version of the CDQ, which was generated after reaching consensus between the corresponding four (phase a) and 10 (phase b) professionals involved in the different phases of this process. Among them, we can cite bilingual healthcare professionals with extensive experience in research and celiac disease, celiac patients, gastroenterologists, general practitioners, dieticians, and psychologists. The resulting CDQ proved to be an appropriate measuring tool to assess the HRQoL of Argentinian celiac patients confirmed by a good fit in the confirmatory factor validity analysis (RMSEA < 0.001 and χ² = 267.325, df = 313, p = 0.971) and high values of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). A total of 191 participants accessed the questionnaire, and 171 individuals from 20 out of 23 Argentinian states completed the questionnaire. There was no correlation between higher educational level nor marital status with QoL. Individuals on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) and those who do not take antidepressants showed higher QoL. Male gender also presented better HRQoL. There was no correlation between differences in HRQoL and age of the respondent, age at diagnosis, symptoms at diagnosis, or having other chronic diseases. However, a significantly higher score of HRQoL was reported among those individuals who disclosed having knowledge of CD related national regulations and benefits. This study highlights the importance of maintaining current public health regulations that support chronic disease patients, such as celiac patients.

Natural variants of α-gliadin peptides within wheat proteins with reduced toxicity in coeliac disease

The only generally accepted treatment of coeliac disease (CD) is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Wheat gluten proteins include gliadins, low and high molecular weight glutenins. However, we have found significant structural variations within these protein families among different cultivars. To determine which structural motifs might be less toxic than others, we assessed five variants of α-gliadin immunodominant CD-toxic peptides synthesised as 16mers in CD T cell stimulation assays with gluten-sensitive T cell lines generated from duodenal biopsies from CD-affected individuals. The peptides harboured the overlapping T cell epitopes DQ 2.5-glia-α-2 and naturally occurring variants that differed in certain amino acids (AA). The results revealed that introduction of two selected AA substitutions in α-gliadin peptides reduced immunogenicity. A peptide with three AA substitutions involving two glutamic acids (E) and one glutamine residue (G) revealed the peptide was negative in 5:5 samples. We used CD small-intestinal organ culture to assess CD toxicity that revealed two peptides with selected substitution of both glutamic acid (E) and proline (P) residues abrogated evidence of CD toxicity.

Safety of occasional ingestion of gluten in patients with celiac disease: a real-life study

BACKGROUND

Gluten-free diet (GFD) decreases the quality of life of celiac disease (CD) patients, who frequently ask to occasionally ingest gluten-containing food. We evaluated CD patients reporting voluntary and occasional transgressions to their GFD.

METHODS

From October 2017 to September 2018, the patients reporting occasional and voluntary gluten ingestion (GFD-noncompliant) were prospectively enrolled. These patients underwent clinical examination, blood tests, duodenal biopsy, capsule enteroscopy (CE), and a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing the frequency and quantity of gluten intake. Mortality was calculated and compared to the general population. A group of patients on strict GFD (GFD-adherent) acted as controls.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred seventy-eight CD patients were evaluated during the study period. One hundred nine (8%) reported occasional (weekly or monthly) voluntary ingestion of gluten. The mean gluten intake was 185.2 ± 336.9 g/year, and the duration of their incorrect GFD was 8.6 ± 6.9 years. Among the noncompliant patients, 57% did not present any histological alteration; furthermore, the Marsh score profile was not different between compliant and noncompliant patients. Seventy percent did not present any alteration at CE. Seventy-five percent of patients reported no gastrointestinal symptoms after gluten ingestion. Twenty-three percent of patients in the GFD-noncompliant group presented positive tTG-IgA. No association was found between gluten intake, clinical symptoms, and biomarkers. Mortality was not different between the groups and the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are that in a real-life scenario, a group of CD patients on long-term gluten intake showed no significant clinical symptoms or small bowel damage, thus suggesting that a degree of tolerance towards gluten consumption can be reached.

Nutrition Assessment, Interventions, and Monitoring for Patients with Celiac Disease: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review

The objectives of this scoping review were to identify and characterize studies examining nutrition assessment, interventions, and measures to monitor gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence/compliance in patients with celiac disease (CD). An electronic literature search of four databases (Cochrane Database for systematic reviews, CINAHL, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE) was conducted to identify articles examining nutrition care in CD individuals. Except for narrative review, grey literature, and case study/report, all types of peer-reviewed articles published between January 2007 and August 2018 were eligible. There were a total of 10,823 records; 10,368 were excluded during the first round of screening due to irrelevancy and/or duplication. Of the 455 full-text articles that were assessed, 292 met the criteria and were included. Most of the studies were observational studies (n=212), followed by experimental trials (n=50), evidence-based practice guideline (EBPG)/report/statement (n=16), and systematic review (SR) (n=14). Nine original studies examined assessment, focusing mainly on different tools/ways to assess GFD adherence. The majority of the included original articles (n=235) were in the nutrition intervention category with GFD, oats, and prebiotics/probiotics as the top-three most studied interventions. There were eight SRs on GFD and five on oats. One SR and 21 original studies investigated the effectiveness of different measures to monitor GFD adherence/compliance. Although recent CD EBPGs were identified, different methods with varying levels of rigor, in terms of literature search and assessment of evidence strength, were used. Based on this scoping review, interventions focused on gluten-free diet and oats have been significantly covered by either SRs or EBPGs. Studies related to prebiotics/probiotics and education program/counseling focused interventions, as well as assessment, in CD patients have increased in recent years. Thus, it might be beneficial to conduct SRs/EBPGs focused on these topics to guide practitioners.

Concepts and Instruments for Patient-Reported Outcome Assessment in Celiac Disease: Literature Review and Experts' Perspectives

BACKGROUND

In diseases where there is a large subjective component, such as celiac disease (CD), patient reported-outcomes (PRO) endpoints are highly relevant. However, there is a gap in knowledge about which PRO endpoints and instruments should be used for clinical trials for treatment of celiac disease.

OBJECTIVES

To identify patient-centered symptom, impact, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) concepts in CD and relevant PRO instruments, and to gather expert input on concepts and instruments to inform selection of PRO endpoints for use in clinical trials of new CD treatments.

METHODS

A targeted literature review was conducted to identify symptom, impact, and HRQoL concepts, including those captured in PROs further reviewed against U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for development and validation as endpoints. US and European clinicians, payers, and a patient advocate (n = 21) were interviewed to assess the identified concepts' relative importance in measuring treatment benefit and to gauge the value of potential PROs as endpoints for market access/reimbursement.

RESULTS

Thirty-four published studies were identified: 27 elucidated patient-centered concepts and 7 detailed the development or validation of PRO instruments. The Celiac Disease Symptom Diary and Celiac Disease Patient Reported Outcome instrument were deemed most appropriate for use as endpoints; however, each had limitations related to conceptual coverage, evidence for measurement properties, and feasibility for use in clinical trials. Experts reported gastrointestinal symptoms as most important to treat, with extra-intestinal symptoms burdensome from the patient perspective as well. Payers emphasized measuring both frequency and severity of symptoms and targeting patients nonresponsive to the gluten-free diet for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

With emerging treatment options for CD, further work is needed to operationalize PRO symptom endpoints that are meaningful to patients, valued by payers, and acceptable to regulators in demonstrating efficacy.

Health-related Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Patients With Celiac Disease

OBJECTIVES

Celiac disease (CD) is a common chronic condition with potential adverse physical and psychosocial implications for affected children. The study purpose was to characterize health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a large sample of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed CD using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, and compare it to that of healthy children and children with nonceliac gastrointestinal (GI) conditions using historic data.

METHODS

The PedsQL was administered to 159 children with newly diagnosed CD and their parents at either the time of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy or before their initial dietitian appointment for gluten-free diet teaching. Mean parent-report and self-report PedsQL summary and subscale scores were calculated, then compared to published means from a sample of healthy children and a sample of children with nonceliac GI symptoms using 1-sample t tests.

RESULTS

Compared to the healthy children, those with newly diagnosed CD had lower Total Scores, Physical Health, Psychosocial Health, Emotional Functioning, and School Functioning on parent report (P < 0.008) with similar findings on self-report. Within the CD sample, clinically significant scores were found in 55.9% for School Functioning, 62.7% for Physical Health, 54.4% for Emotional Functioning, 43.7% for Social Functioning, and 49% for Total Score.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with newly diagnosed CD had lower HRQOL than healthy children and similar HRQOL to that of patients with nonceliac GI conditions. Patients with deficits in domains such as school or emotional functioning may benefit from early interventions including a Section 504 plan or meeting with a psychologist or social worker.

Reliability of coeliac serology in monitoring dietary adherence in children with coeliac disease on a gluten-free diet

This study aimed to determine the utility of coeliac serology for monitoring dietary adherence in coeliac disease. Serum anti-tTg IgA and anti-DGP IgG levels of 42 newly diagnosed patients were measured at diagnosis and at intervals of three, six and 12 months after starting a gluten-free diet. Both anti-tTg and anti-DGP antibodies decreased in all patients. The decline in the former was significantly greater at 3–12 months throughout, while in the latter the decline was seen only at three months but not subsequently. Serial measurement of coeliac serology may help in monitoring adherence to a gluten-free diet.

The impact of diagnosis on health-related quality of life in people with coeliac disease: a UK population-based longitudinal perspective

Background

Before diagnosis, people with coeliac disease suffer reduced quality of life, which improves substantially after the disease has been diagnosed. Delayed diagnosis is common. The aim of this study was to assess changes over time in prevalence of coeliac disease symptoms/associated medical conditions, time to diagnosis, quality of life and its determinants before and after diagnosis in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was designed in 2015 and sent to 4000 individuals with diagnosed coeliac disease, requesting information on respondents’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and their quality of life pre- and post-diagnosis using the EQ-5D instrument. Data were analysed and compared with results from a survey conducted in 2006 using descriptive analyses, univariate and multivariable regression methods.

Results

The survey response rate was 40%. Sixty-five percent of respondents reported at least 4 symptoms pre-diagnosis, a significant reduction by 13 percentage points (95% CI: -16.9, − 9.4; p-value: < 0.001) compared to 2006. Pre-diagnosis mean duration of symptoms was 12.8 years (SD: 15.3), a non-significant reduction of 0.6 years (95% CI: -2, 0.8; p-value: 0.426) compared to 2006. There was a significant improvement of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.22; p-value: < 0.001) in quality of life from pre- (0.65) to post-diagnosis (0.85). Pre-diagnosis values were significantly higher by 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.12; p-value: < 0.001) than in 2006. Number of symptoms and low income were associated with decreased quality of life.

Conclusions

Undiagnosed coeliac disease is associated with a substantial decrement in quality of life. Time to diagnosis has not significantly shortened over the decade 2006–2015, but symptoms are less severe when diagnosis occurs. Harmonising clinical guidelines for intensified active case finding will help improve quality of life of people with coeliac disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12876-019-0980-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Prospective Study on Cognitive Impairment in Middle-aged Adults With Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease

AIMS

Our objectives were to: (1) determine whether celiac disease (CD) patients have cognitive impairment at diagnosis; and (2) compare their cognitive performance with nonceliac subjects who have similar chronic symptoms and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty adults (age range: 18 to 50 y) with symptoms and signs compatible with CD were enrolled in a prospective cohort irrespective of the final diagnosis. At baseline, all individuals underwent cognitive functional and psychological evaluation. CD patients were compared with subjects in whom CD was ruled out and with healthy controls matched by sex, age, and years of schooling.

RESULTS

Thirty-three subjects (66%) were diagnosed with CD. Compared with the healthy controls (n=26), CD cases and disease controls (n=17; mostly irritable bowel syndrome) had impaired cognitive performance (P=0.02 and P=0.04, respectively), functional impairment (P<0.01), and higher depression (P<0.01). CD patients had similar cognitive performance and anxiety, but nonsignificant lower depression scores compared with disease controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal cognitive functions detected in newly diagnosed CD adult patients seem not to be disease specific. Our results suggest that cognitive dysfunction could be related to the presence of prolonged symptoms due to a chronic disease.

Gluten immunogenic peptide excretion detects dietary transgressions in treated celiac disease patients

BACKGROUND

Life-long removal of gluten from the diet is currently the only way to manage celiac disease (CeD). Until now, no objective test has proven useful to objectively detect ingested gluten in clinical practice. Recently, tests that determine consumption of gluten by assessing excretion of gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) in stool and urine have been developed. Their utility, in comparison with conventional dietary and analytical follow-up strategies, has not been fully established.

AIM

To assess the performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and point-of-care tests (PoCTs) for GIP excretion in CeD patients on gluten-free diet (GFD).

METHODS

We conducted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study in patients following a GFD for at least two years. Using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire, patients were classified at enrollment as asymptomatic or symptomatic. Gluten consumption was assessed twice by 3-d dietary recall and GIP excretion (by ELISA in stool and PoCTs (commercial kits for stool and urine) in two consecutive samples. These samples and dietary reports were obtained 10 day apart one from the other. Patients were encouraged to follow their usual GFD during the study period.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were enrolled, of which 19 (43.2%) were symptomatic despite being on a GFD. Overall, 83 sets of stool and/or urine samples were collected. Eleven out of 44 patients (25.0%) had at least one positive GIP test. The occurrence of at least one positive test was 32% in asymptomatic patients compared with 15.8% in symptomatic patients. GIP was concordant with dietary reports in 65.9% of cases (Cohen´s kappa: 0.317). PoCT detected dietary indiscretions. Both ELISA and PoCT in stool were concordant (concomitantly positive or negative) in 67 out of 74 (90.5%) samples. Excretion of GIP was detected in 7 (8.4%) stool and/or urine samples from patients considered to be strictly compliant with the GFD by dietary reports.

CONCLUSION

GIP detects dietary transgressions in patients on long-term GFD, irrespective of the presence of symptoms. PoCT for GIP detection constitutes a simple home-based method for self-assessment of dietary indiscretions.

Follow-up of Celiac Disease

Currently, the only effective treatment for celiac disease is complete removal of gluten from the diet. However, patients need to follow a strict gluten-free diet that results in symptomatic, serologic, and histologic remission in most patients. Histologic remission is usually complete in children, but recovery is slower and more frequently incomplete in adults. When remission has been achieved, yearly follow-up is recommended for adults, children, and adolescents. This article deals with conventional strategies used in order to follow-up patients on treatment and aiming to obtain the best clinical outcome.

Health related quality of life among Saudi children and adolescents with celiac disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. This study reports on the quality of life (QOL) of Saudi children and adolescents with CD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a case control study that included Saudi patients with CD, aged 9-18 years, who attended CD Clinic at KAU between February 2017 and July 2018. The study was conducted using the Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire for all candidates, CD-specific QOL questionnaire for the CD patients group, and CD screen questionnaire for the control group.

RESULTS

Overall, 354 subjects were studied (111 CD patients and 243 control). Female subjects constituted 56.8% of both patient and control groups. In the generic SF-36 questionnaire, QOL was comparable between patients and controls in all domains except for the general health domain, which showed difference in favor of the controls (55.01 ± 26.41 and 62.96 ± 18.16, P = 0.005). We also found that males have lower QOL scores in the domains comprising health change (P = 0.02), physical functioning (P = 0.04, role functioning/emotional and emotional well-being (P = 0.049). The CD-specific QOL showed excellent and good scores for 79.3% of patients overall in the tested domains. Patients with poor adherence showed poor QOL in all generic (SF-36) domains but not in CD-specific domains.

CONCLUSION

The HRQOL for Saudi CD children on GFD is generally comparable to the healthy control with exception of the general health domain. Adherence to the GFD improves the generic (SF-36) QOL domains.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy against dietary gluten present in wheat, rye and barley and is one of the most common lifelong food-related disorders worldwide. Coeliac disease is also considered to be a systemic disorder characterized by a variable combination of gluten-related signs and symptoms and disease-specific antibodies in addition to enteropathy. The ingestion of gluten leads to the generation of harmful gluten peptides, which, in predisposed individuals, can induce adaptive and innate immune responses. The clinical presentation is extremely variable; patients may have severe gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption, extraintestinal symptoms or have no symptoms at all. Owing to the multifaceted clinical presentation, diagnosis remains a challenge and coeliac disease is heavily underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of coeliac disease is achieved by combining coeliac disease serology and small intestinal mucosal histology during a gluten-containing diet. Currently, the only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet; however, the diet is restrictive and gluten is difficult to avoid. Optimizing diagnosis and care in coeliac disease requires continuous research and education of both patients and health-care professionals.

Mood Disorders and Gluten: It's Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Gluten elimination may represent an effective treatment strategy for mood disorders in individuals with gluten-related disorders. However, the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of prospective studies for effects of gluten on mood symptoms in patients with or without gluten-related disorders. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library) were searched, from inception to 8 August 2018, for prospective studies published in English. Meta-analyses with random-effects were performed. Three randomised-controlled trials and 10 longitudinal studies comprising 1139 participants fit the inclusion criteria. A gluten-free diet (GFD) significantly improved pooled depressive symptom scores in GFD-treated patients (Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) -0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.55 to -0.20; p < 0.0001), with no difference in mean scores between patients and healthy controls after one year (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.20, p = 0.94). There was a tendency towards worsening symptoms for non-coeliac gluten sensitive patients during a blinded gluten challenge vs. placebo (SMD 0.21, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.15; p = 0.25). Our review supports the association between mood disorders and gluten intake in susceptible individuals. The effects of a GFD on mood in subjects without gluten-related disorders should be considered in future research.

Clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in Mexico

Celiac disease, celiac sprue, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a generalized autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and atrophy of the small bowel mucosa. It is caused by dietary exposure to gluten and affects genetically predisposed individuals. In Mexico, at least 800,000 are estimated to possibly have the disease, prompting the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología to summon a multidisciplinary group of experts to develop the "Clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in Mexico" and establish recommendations for the medical community, its patients, and the general population. The participating medical professionals were divided into three working groups and were given the selected bibliographic material by the coordinators (ART, LUD, JMRT), who proposed the statements that were discussed and voted upon in three sessions: two voting rounds were carried out electronically and one at a face-to-face meeting. Thirty-nine statements were accepted, and once approved, were developed and revised by the coordinators, and their final version was approved by all the participants. It was emphasized in the document that epidemiology and risk factors associated with celiac disease (first-degree relatives, autoimmune diseases, high-risk populations) in Mexico are similar to those described in other parts of the world. Standards for diagnosing the disease and its appropriate treatment in the Mexican patient were established. The guidelines also highlighted the fact that a strict gluten-free diet is essential only in persons with confirmed celiac disease, and that the role of gluten is still a subject of debate in relation to nonceliac, gluten-sensitive patients.

Outcome measures in coeliac disease trials: the Tampere recommendations

OBJECTIVE

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment option of coeliac disease, but recently an increasing number of trials have begun to explore alternative treatment strategies. We aimed to review the literature on coeliac disease therapeutic trials and issue recommendations for outcome measures.

DESIGN

Based on a literature review of 10 062 references, we (17 researchers and 2 patient representatives from 10 countries) reviewed the use and suitability of both clinical and non-clinical outcome measures. We then made expert-based recommendations for use of these outcomes in coeliac disease trials and identified areas where research is needed.

RESULTS

We comment on the use of histology, serology, clinical outcome assessment (including patient-reported outcomes), quality of life and immunological tools including gluten immunogenic peptides for trials in coeliac disease.

CONCLUSION

Careful evaluation and reporting of outcome measures will increase transparency and comparability of coeliac disease therapeutic trials, and will benefit patients, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

Quality of life in coeliac disease: qualitative interviews to develop candidate items for the Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire

Background

Coeliac-specific measures have been criticized for not complying with current guidance on the development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The aim of this study was to develop a measure to assess health-related quality of life in adults with coeliac disease (CD), in accordance with current guidance for PROM development.

Methods

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with adults with CD. A thematic analysis was undertaken to develop a coding framework. All interviews were analyzed according to this framework. Interviewing continued until data saturation was achieved. Candidate items were developed on the basis of the interview findings.

Results

The analysis revealed 6 themes: 1) symptoms, 2) gluten-free diet, 3) emotional health, 4) impact on activities, 5) relationships, and 6) financial issues. Data saturation was reached after 8 interviews, but a total of 23 interviews were conducted to include a wide enough range of diverse participants. From the themes, 64 candidate items (9 for symptoms, 15 for emotional health, 16 for gluten-free diet, 7 for relationships, 12 for impact on activities, and 5 for financial issues) were developed to form the first draft of the Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CDAQ).

Conclusion

The 64 items reflect all the issues of importance to people with CD. Next, these items will be pretested and refined to lead to a shorter draft version of the CDAQ before it is administered in a survey to produce a final version with subscales.

Quality of life in celiac disease and the effect of gluten-free diet

Background and Aim

Patients with celiac disease (CD) have a poor health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL). We assessed the QOL in patients with CD using both generic (SF‐12) and specific (CD‐QOL) questionnaires, and the effect of gluten‐free diet (GFD) on HR‐QOL.

Methods

We conducted a prospective follow‐up study based on consecutive patients of suspected CD between June 2014 and November 2015. After taking a detailed history, all patients were subjected to laboratory investigations (including complete blood count, biochemistry, and the IgA tTG antibody), followed by endoscopy and duodenal biopsies for histopathology. The HR‐QOL was assessed using SF‐12 and CD‐QOL questionnaires. Patients who were strictly adherent to GFD were re‐assessed at the end of 6 months for laboratory parameters and QOL.

Results

Sixty adult patients of CD, with mean age of 28.85 ± 12.43 years, and a M:F ratio of 1.3:1, were enrolled in the study. The mean PCS (physical health composite scale score) and MCS (mental health composite scale score) at baseline were 37.20 ± 11.09 and 41.88 ± 8.39, which showed a statistically significant improvement after GFD to 50.30 ± 9.88 and 50.22 ± 9.04, respectively. Though there was no significant difference in the total CD‐QOL score after GFD, there was a significant improvement in the dysphoria and health‐concern subscales. We also found a negative correlation of the pre‐GFD symptom score (based on number of positive symptoms) with PCS and MCS and a positive correlation with the CD‐QOL score.

Conclusion

This study has shown a reduced HR‐QOL in adult CD patients, which improves significantly on GFD, and is associated with a higher symptom number.

MyHealthyGut: development of a theory-based self-regulatory app to effectively manage celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the North American population and the only treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free (GF) diet. Unfortunately, the GF diet can be challenging, and poor adherence can lead to detrimental physical and psychological health outcomes for people with celiac disease. The goal of this study was to design, develop and pilot test a smartphone app (MyHealthyGut), to promote effective self-management of celiac disease and improve gut health. In Part 1, feedback from end-users (adults with celiac disease) regarding the desired functions and content of an app to manage celiac disease was gathered. Part 2 was a pilot test of the MyHealthyGut app with end-users and healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Part 1: 118 adults diagnosed with celiac disease participated in the initial survey. Based on findings from this study, version 1.0 of the app was created. Part 2: 12 adults with celiac disease engaged in focus groups to provide feedback after testing the app for a 1-week period; and seven healthcare professionals (dietitians and physicians) provided online feedback about the app after using it for a 2-week period.

RESULTS

Part 1: over 90% of participants indicated a need for an app for celiac disease. Ease of use, available functions, nutritious GF recipes and cost were the top four most important perceived factors to 40-60% of participants for an app to manage celiac disease. Over 25% of participants also indicated it was important to have a list of the top 100 GF foods and evidence-based supplements, the ability to track symptoms and cooking tips. Part 2: focus group participants suggested revisions to the app pertaining to functionality and ease of use (e.g., clearly marked way-finding buttons, enhance onboarding), improving the symptom journaling feature, and app content (e.g., add information on irritable bowel syndrome). The majority of healthcare professionals reported positive perceptions of the app and reported similar revisions to content, functionality and ease of use.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related mobile applications make smartphones useful tools in providing point of care to the user. Participants reported a need for the MyHealthyGut app, listed desired content, features and functions and provided feedback to revise the content, features and functions of version 1.0 of the MyHealthyGut app. MyHealthyGut is the first evidence-based app that may be helpful in empowering users to effectively self-manage celiac disease and promote general gut health.

Effect of clinical and laboratory parameters on quality of life in celiac patients using celiac disease-specific quality of life scores

OBJECTIVES

Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in patients with celiac disease is reduced compared to the general population. We investigated the association between HR-QOL and clinical, laboratory findings using the previously validated CD-QOL (celiac disease-specific quality of life) instrument in patients with celiac disease. To our knowledge, no study has previously explored the relationship between HR-QOL and clinical, laboratory parameters in celiac patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who received care at the Allegheny Health Network Celiac Center, Pittsburgh, PA were asked to complete the CD-QOL questionnaire. A cross sectional study with predetermined clinical and laboratory parameters was performed. Data collected included IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody titers, iron studies, calcium, vitamin A, B12, 25 OH vitamin D, and E levels. Correlation between clinical findings and CD-QOL was also assessed.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight out of 124 patients who completed the questionnaire was included in the analysis. Patients with concomitant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had significantly reduced HR-QOL with CD-QOL score of 52.4 ± 11.3 vs. 44.6 ± 12.9 in those without IBS (p = .009). There was no difference in HR-QOL in relation to IgA tTG titers or vitamin D levels. Of note, there was a trend towards correlation between higher level of vitamin E and better QOL (r = -0.236, p = .074).

CONCLUSIONS

Celiac patients with concomitant IBS have reduced HR-QOL. There was no statistically significant association between HR-QOL and laboratory parameters or levels of micronutrients.

Coeliac disease and psychiatric comorbidity: epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, quality-of-life, and gluten-free diet effects

Coeliac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease in which an environmental factor, gluten, triggers a pathological reaction. It results in intra- and entra-intestinal manifestations of disease, including, most frequently, diarrhoea, weight loss, and anaemia. CD occurs in ∼1% of the western population, being one of the most common autoimmune lifelong disorders, and may present with a variety of psychiatric comorbidities. Psychiatric comorbidity in CD often complicates the diagnosis, reduces the quality-of-life, and worsens the prognosis of affected patients. This review summarizes the epidemiological studies that underline this connection, and focuses on the potential mechanisms related to this comorbility, such as nutritional deficiencies, immune responses, interference in brain processes, and dysfunctions in the gut-brain axis. Factors that play a central role on patients' quality of life, psychological well-being and adherence are presented. Finally, evidence of regression in psychiatric symptoms following the introduction of a gluten-free diet is underlined as well.

Determinant factors of quality of life in adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data on determinant factors and the influence of dietary interventions are scarce.

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate factors influencing HRQoL in adult EoE patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter observational, cross-sectional study. A validated Spanish version of the self-administered Adult Eosinophilic Esophagitis Quality of Life (EoE-QoL-A) questionnaire and specific surveys were used. Multiple linear regression was used to identify and quantify determinant factors of HRQoL.

Results

Responses provided by 170 patients were assessed (73.5% male; mean age 33.5 ± 11.4 years). Overall mean score for the EoE-QoL-A index was 1.4 ± 0.8, with no differences between patients on dietary or pharmacological therapy (1.82 ± 0.8 vs. 1.62 ± 0.8; p = 0.132). Disease anxiety showed the highest mean score (2.13 ± 0.9 points), followed by choking anxiety (1.97 ± 1.1); social impact (1.77 ± 1.1), and diet/eating impact (1.68 ± 0.9). Emotional impact had the lowest rating (1.15 ± 0.9), and only with a significantly worse score in patients under dietary restrictions. Recurrent food impaction, a higher educational level, dietary interventions and symptom duration were all independent determinant factors significantly impairing HRQoL. Female gender and empiric elimination diets negatively influenced on diet/eating impact.

Conclusion

Recurrent food impaction, dietary interventions and symptom duration are the most important factors influencing the perception of HRQoL in adults with EoE.

Coping with celiac disease: how heavy is the burden for caregivers?

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is the most common chronic enteropathy demanding a lifelong gluten-free diet.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to identify and estimate the subjective burden of caregivers of celiac patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted during the regional meeting of the Italian Society for the Celiac Disease in April 2014. A written self-administered anonymous questionnaire enquired into caregivers' demographic profile, natural history of patients' disease and caregivers' self-reported degree of burden at the onset of symptoms (T0), at CD diagnosis (T1) and during follow-up (T2). Fifty-five caregivers completed the questionnaire (69% females, 47 ± 13 years old, 73% first-degree relatives).

RESULTS

The presence of warning symptoms, such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea and weight loss was responsible for higher levels of concern. A statistically significant reduction of concern in the follow-up was demonstrated by the comparison of visual analogue scales (VAS) values from T0 to T2 and from T1 to T2 (6.8 ± 3.1 vs 4.2 ± 2.9 and 7.0 ± 2.5 vs 4.2 ± 2.9, respectively; p < 0.001), mirroring the reduction of distress among newly diagnosed individuals. A global impact of gluten-free diet and CD on quality of life was reported in VASs (6.7 ± 2.4). Family (5.4 ± 3.1), social (5.6 ± 2.9) and economic (4.5 ± 3.4) domains were the most associated.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of caregivers' subjective burden should be considered as an essential step in the evaluation of celiac patients, needing a specific investigation and support.

Self-compassion directly and indirectly predicts dietary adherence and quality of life among adults with celiac disease

Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for preventing both short- and long-term consequences of celiac disease. Given that following a strict GFD can be difficult, evidence-based strategies are needed to improve the psychological experience of living with celiac disease and following the GFD. Self-compassion appears to be an important component of effectively self-regulating one's behavior to cope with a chronic disease. The main goal of this study was to examine the relationships between self-compassion and management of celiac disease as assessed by (a) adherence to a strict GFD and (b) celiac-specific quality of life (CQoL). The secondary goal of this study was to explore self-regulatory efficacy (i.e., confidence in one's ability to self-manage behavior to follow a strict GFD) and concurrent self-regulatory efficacy (i.e., one's confidence to self-manage other valued life goals while following a strict GFD) as mediators of the relationship between self-compassion and the primary outcomes (adherence and CQoL). In this prospective study, 200 North American adults diagnosed with celiac disease completed online questionnaires at two time points (baseline and 1 month later). Self-compassion at baseline directly predicted stricter adherence (at Time 2; b = -0.63, p = 0.006) and enhanced CQoL (at Time 2; b = -0.50, p = 0.001). Further, self-compassion (at Time 1) also indirectly predicted stricter Time 2 adherence through self-regulatory efficacy (at Time 1; b = -0.26, 95% CI [-0.58, -0.04], R² = 0.29) and enhanced Time 2 CQoL through concurrent self-regulatory efficacy (at Time 1; b = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.03], R² = 0.33). This was the first study to assess the effects of self-compassion in relation to the psychological experience of coping with celiac disease and following a GFD. The findings indicate that self-compassion, self-regulatory efficacy and concurrent self-regulatory efficacy are important cognitions in understanding adherence to a GFD and CQoL among adults with celiac disease.

Impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease on nutrition and quality of life

Objective:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) are autoimmune diseases and have similar genetic patterns. T1DM treatment is based on diet, physical activity and insulin therapy, whereas CD depends on dietary changes with restriction of wheat, rye and barley. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with the association of T1DM and CD, to characterize their nutritional status and to compare it with those with only one disease and healthier controls.

Subjects/Methods:

Sixty patients controlled by sex, age and body mass index (BMI) were stratified by previous diagnosis in: T1DM and CD (DMCD group); T1DM (DM group); CD (CD group); or healthy participants (HC). The SF-36 questionnaire was applied to assess psychological well being and results were compared with glycemic control and presence of complications related to diabetes, adhesion to gluten-free diet (GFD). Nutritional status and body mass composition were determined by BMI, waist circumference, bioimpedance, general laboratory tests and whole-body densitometry.

Results:

The time of diagnosis of T1DM was similar between DMCD and DM groups; however, the duration of CD was significantly higher in the CD group compared with DMCD. The SF-36 analysis revealed statistically significant differences between DM and HC groups in two domains: general health (P=0.042) and energy/vitality (P=0.012). QoL was also correlated with compliance to a GFD, and scores were similar in both groups: DMCD and CD. Forty percent of individuals in the CD group had visceral fat area above 100 cm², as opposed to 20% in the other groups.

Conclusions:

Individuals of DMCD group had similar scores to DM, CD and HC on QoL, as well as on their nutritional status and bone metabolism. Thereby, we should conclude that the association of T1DM and CD did not deteriorate their health status.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: Dietary adherence influences normalization of health-related quality of life in coeliac disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gluten-free diet is the keystone of coeliac disease treatment. Despite adherence, some patients continue to suffer from symptoms that negatively influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of gluten-free diet on HRQoL in coeliac disease. We specifically sought for determinants that negatively influenced HRQoL.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library for studies assessing HRQoL in untreated or treated adults using validated HRQoL-questionnaires from 1960 to September 2015, comparing HRQoL: (1) before and after gluten-free diet initiation or (2) in patients and non-coeliac controls.

RESULTS

We included eighteen studies and sixteen were suitable for meta-analysis. Gluten-free diet significantly improves HRQoL, for psychological general well-being (PGWB)-Total (mean difference (MD) 7.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.96; 12.72]; p = 0.008), SF-36 Mental Component Score (MCS) (MD 7.37, 95% CI [1.84; 12.90]; p = 0.009) and SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS) (MD 5.72, 95% CI [1.50; 9.95]; p = 0.008). Treated patients had similar HRQoL compared with controls for PGWB-Total (MD -0.72, 95% CI [-2.71; 1.27]; p = 0.48), but significantly lower levels for SF-36 MCS (MD -4.09, 95% CI [-6.17; -2.01]; p = 0.0001) and PCS (MD -4.57, 95% CI [-6.97; -2.17]; p = 0.0002). Symptom-detected gluten-free diet adhering patients have lower HRQoL compared with screening-detected patients (MD -3.73, 95% CI [-6.77;-0.69]; p = 0.02) Strict adhering patients have better HRQoL compared with non-strict adhering patients for SF-36 MCS (MD 7.70, 95% CI [4.61; 10.79]; p < 0.00001) and for SF-36 PCS (MD 3.23, 95% CI [1.33; 5.14]; p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

Gluten-free diet significantly improves but does not normalize HRQoL in adults with coeliac disease. Dietary adherence improves HRQoL. Better (self-reported) dietary adherence results in higher HRQoL.

Decrease in lactobacilli in the intestinal microbiota of celiac children with a gluten-free diet, and selection of potentially probiotic strains

The intestinal microbiota would be implicated in pathology associated with celiac disease caused by an abnormal immune system reaction against gluten present in cereal grains. The objectives of this work were to detect through basic methods the changes in the composition of the most common genera of bacteria from the intestinal microbiota of symptom-free celiac disease children with a gluten-free diet compared with healthy children from Tucumán and to select lactobacilli (Lb) strains with probiotic potential from the feces of healthy children. Results demonstrated that the feces of celiac children with a gluten-free diet showed significantly lower counts of Lb (P < 0.05) compared with healthy children, while enterobacteria tended to increase in celiac children. On the basis of these results, isolation of some Lb from the feces of healthy children was carried out. Thus, 5 Lb strains were selected because of their high resistance percentages to gastrointestinal tract conditions. In addition, their autoaggregation and hydrophobicity properties were evaluated: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LC4) showed the highest percentage of autoaggregation while Lactobacillus paracasei (LC9) showed high hydrophobicity. Based on these results, LC4 and LC9 were selected, and their use as potential probiotic strains to improve signs and symptoms associated with celiac disease is discussed. This is the first study performed in Argentina concerning the relationship between intestinal microbiota and celiac disease in celiac children with a gluten-free diet. In addition, the development of a probiotic food addressed towards celiac patients and designed with Lb isolated from the feces of healthy children from our province represents a promising alternative to improve the quality of life of celiac patients.

Quality of Life and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Long-Term Treated Dermatitis Herpetiformis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Finland

BACKGROUND

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. Both conditions are treated with a restrictive life-long gluten-free diet (GFD). Treated celiac disease patients have been shown to have more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and inferior quality of life compared with healthy controls, but evidence regarding quality of life in DH is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate whether long-term GFD-treated DH patients suffer from persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and if they experience a drawdown in quality of life.

METHODS

Gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life were assessed in 78 long-term GFD-treated DH patients using the validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Psychological General Well-Being and Short Form 36 Health Survey questionnaires. The findings were compared with 110 healthy controls, population-based reference values and 371 treated celiac disease controls.

RESULTS

The median age of the DH patients at the time of the study was 57 years, and 51 % were male. Significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms or quality of life were not detected when treated DH patients were compared with healthy controls, but treated DH patients had less severe gastrointestinal symptoms and increased quality of life compared with celiac disease controls. Female DH patients had more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and reduced vitality compared with male DH patients. The presence of skin symptoms and the adherence to or duration of GFD did not have any influence on gastrointestinal symptoms or quality of life.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that long-term GFD-treated DH patients do not suffer from the burden of dietary treatment and have a quality of life comparable to that of controls.

Quality of life in children with celiac disease: A paediatric cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Few studies investigated factors influencing the quality of life of children with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet.

AIMS

To investigate the impact of the gluten-free diet on the psycho-physical well-being of celiac children.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed 76 celiac and 143 non-celiac children (2-18 years) by using a non-disease specific questionnaire (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Test) and we explored the impact of the diet on social life with an open-ended questionnaire. Scores were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A quantile regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of celiac disease on score distribution.

RESULTS

No significant differences in quality of life were found between the two groups (total score: 84.1 (81.1-87.2) vs 81.5 (79.7-83.4), median (95% CI), patients and controls respectively, p=0.4). Treatment positively affected quality of life in children that showed "intermediate" scores in the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Test. Lowest scores were observed in children reporting a higher number of diet difficulties or co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Although celiac patients showed an overall good quality of life in comparison with a control group, by using appropriate analytical methods we elicited specific factors contributing to a lower quality of life in patients, such as co-morbidities and difficulties with the diet.