Auto-SCT in refractory celiac disease type II patients unresponsive to cladribine therapy

Refractory celiac disease and its mimickers: a review on pathogenesis, clinical-pathological features and therapeutic challenges

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) are rare, yet severe complications of celiac disease (CD). Over the last decades, several studies have addressed the biology and clinical-pathological features of such conditions, highlighting unique disease patterns and recurrent genetic events. Current classification proposals identify two forms of RCD, namely: (i) type 1 RCD (RCD-I), characterized by phenotypically normal intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs); and (ii) type 2 RCD (RCD-II), featuring phenotypically aberrant IELs. While RCD-I likely represents a gluten-independent dysimmune reaction against small bowel epithelial cells, RCD-II is better considered an in situ aggressive T-cell lymphoma, with high rates of progression to overt EATL. The diagnosis of RCD and EATL is often challenging, due to misleading clinical-pathological features and to significant overlap with several CD-unrelated gastro-intestinal disorders. Similarly, the treatment of RCD and EATL is an unmet clinical need for both gastroenterologists and hematologists. Moving from such premises, this review aims to provide a comprehensive view of RCD and EATL, specifically considering their pathogenesis and the many still open issues concerning their diagnosis and clinical management.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for a patient with multiple autoimmune diseases

Level of autoantibodies after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. AGA, antigliadin antibody; AHSCT, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Anti-GAD65, Ab anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase epitope 65 antibody; Anti-TPO, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody; CU, chemiluminescent unit.

Old and New Adjunctive Therapies in Celiac Disease and Refractory Celiac Disease: A Review

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic enteropathy caused by the ingestion of gluten in a genetically susceptible individual. Currently, a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only recommended treatment. However, unintentional gluten ingestion or a persistent villous atrophy with malabsorption (regardless of a strict GFD) as in the case of Refractory Celiac Disease (RCD) represents a major issue. In this review, we have analysed and discussed data from both randomized controlled trials and observational studies concerning adjunctive therapies as well as novel therapies for the treatment of CD and RCD. The literature search was carried out through Medline and Scopus. In total, 2268 articles have been identified and 49 were included in this review (36 studies resulting from the search strategy and 13 from other sources). Today, GFD remains the only effective treatment, although steroids, mesalamine, and more recently biological therapies have found space in the complex management of RCD. Currently, studies evaluating the effectiveness of novel therapies are still limited and preliminary results have been controversial.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Refractory Celiac Disease: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this expert review is to summarize the diagnosis and management of refractory celiac disease. It will review evaluation of patients with celiac disease who have persistent or recurrent symptoms, differential diagnosis, nutritional support, potential therapeutic options, and surveillance for complications of this condition.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These Best Practice Advice (BPA) statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Since systematic reviews were not performed, these BPA statements do not carry formal ratings of the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: In patients believed to have celiac disease who have persistent or recurrent symptoms or signs, the initial diagnosis of celiac disease should be confirmed by review of prior diagnostic testing, including serologies, endoscopies, and histologic findings. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: In patients with confirmed celiac disease with persistent or recurrent symptoms or signs (nonresponsive celiac disease), ongoing gluten ingestion should be excluded as a cause of these symptoms with serologic testing, dietitian review, and detection of immunogenic peptides in stool or urine. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with small bowel biopsies should be performed to look for villous atrophy. If villous atrophy persists or the initial diagnosis of celiac disease was not confirmed, consider other causes of villous atrophy, including common variable immunodeficiency, autoimmune enteropathy, tropical sprue, and medication-induced enteropathy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: For patients with nonresponsive celiac disease, after exclusion of gluten ingestion, perform a systematic evaluation for other potential causes of symptoms, including functional bowel disorders, microscopic colitis, pancreatic insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose or fructose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Use flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and T-cell receptor rearrangement studies to distinguish between subtypes of refractory celiac disease and to exclude enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. Type 1 refractory celiac disease is characterized by a normal intraepithelial lymphocyte population and type 2 is defined by the presence of an aberrant, clonal intraepithelial lymphocyte population. Consultation with an expert hematopathologist is necessary to interpret these studies. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Perform small bowel imaging with capsule endoscopy and computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography to exclude enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma and ulcerative jejunoileitis at initial diagnosis of type 2 refractory celiac disease. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Complete a detailed nutritional assessment with investigation of micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies in patients diagnosed with refractory celiac disease. Check albumin as an independent prognostic factor. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Correct deficiencies in macro- and micronutrients using oral supplements and/or enteral support. Consider parenteral nutrition for patients with severe malnutrition due to malabsorption. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Corticosteroids, most commonly open-capsule budesonide or, if unavailable, prednisone, are the medication of choice and should be used as first-line therapy in either type 1 or type 2 refractory celiac disease. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Patients with refractory celiac disease require regular follow-up by a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists and dietitians, to assess clinical and histologic response to therapy. Identify local experts with expertise in celiac disease to assist with management. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Patients with refractory celiac disease without response to steroids may benefit from referral to a center with expertise for management or evaluation for inclusion in clinical trials.

Immunopathogenesis and environmental triggers in coeliac disease

Coeliac disease (CD) is a frequent immune enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Its pathogenesis has been extensively studied and CD has emerged as a model disease to decipher how the interplay between environmental and genetic factors can predispose to autoimmunity and promote lymphomagenesis. The keystone event is the activation of a gluten-specific immune response that is driven by molecular interactions between gluten, the indispensable environmental factor, HLA-DQ2/8, the main predisposing genetic factor and transglutaminase 2, the CD-specific autoantigen. The antigluten response is however not sufficient to induce epithelial damage which requires the activation of cytotoxic CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). In a plausible scenario, cooperation between cytokines released by gluten-specific CD4+ T cells and interleukin-15 produced in excess in the coeliac gut, licenses the autoimmune-like attack of the gut epithelium, likely via sustained activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in IEL. Demonstration that lymphomas complicating CD arise from IEL that have acquired gain-of-function JAK1 or STAT3 mutations stresses the key role of this pathway and explains how gluten-driven chronic inflammation may promote this rare but most severe complication. If our understanding of CD pathogenesis has considerably progressed, several questions and challenges remain. One unsolved question concerns the considerable variability in disease penetrance, severity and presentation, pointing to the role of additional genetic and environmental factors that remain however uneasy to untangle and hierarchize. A current challenge is to transfer the considerable mechanistic insight gained into CD pathogenesis into benefits for the patients, notably to alleviate the gluten-free diet, a burden for many patients.

Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy in an European Tertiary Referral Center

INTRODUCTION

Adult-onset autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare cause of severe chronic diarrhea because of small intestinal villous atrophy. We report on patients with adult-onset AIE in an European referral center.

METHODS

Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with AIE in the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, between January 2003 and December 2019. Clinical, serological, and histological features and response to treatment were reported. The specificity of antienterocyte antibodies (AEA) was evaluated by examining the prevalence of AEA in (i) controls (n = 30) and in patients with (ii) AIE (n = 13), (iii) celiac disease (CD, n = 52), (iv) refractory celiac disease type 2 (n = 18), and (v) enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL, n = 10).

RESULTS

Thirteen AIE patients were included, 8 women (62%), median age of 52 years (range 23-73), and 6 (46%) with an autoimmune disease. AEA were observed in 11 cases (85%), but were also found in CD (7.7%), refractory celiac disease type 2 (16.7%), and EATL (20%). Ten patients (77%) were human leukocyte antigen DQ2.5 heterozygous. Total parenteral nutrition was required in 8 cases (62%). Steroids induced clinical remission in 8 cases (62%). Step-up therapy with rituximab, cyclosporine, infliximab, and cladribine in steroid-refractory patients was only moderately effective. Four patients died (31%), but 4 (31%) others are in long-term drug-free remission after receiving immunosuppressive treatment, including 1 patient who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation.

DISCUSSION

Adult-onset AIE is a rare but severe enteropathy that occurs in patients susceptible for autoimmune disease. Four patients (31%) died secondary to therapy-refractory malabsorption, while immunosuppressive therapy leads to a long-lasting drug-free remission in one-third of patients.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in refractory celiac disease: a luxury or a necessity?

Background

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has an established role in the management of refractory celiac disease (RCD) for the detection of complications. The aim of this study was to define the role of SBCE in the management of patients with RCD.

Method

Patients with histologically confirmed RCD who underwent successive SBCEs were recruited retrospectively from 2 tertiary centers.

Results

Sixty patients with RCD were included. The percentage extent of the affected small bowel (SB) mucosa improved on repeating a second SBCE in 26 patients (49.1%) (median 27.6% vs. 18.1%, P=0.007). Patients with RCD type II had more extensive disease than those with RCD type I on first (41.4% vs. 19.2%, P=0.004) and second (29.8% vs. 12.0%, P=0.016) SBCE. Patients with RCD type I tended to show a greater improvement in percentage of abnormal SB involved on repeat SBCE compared to those with RCD type II (P=0.049). Nine patients (15%) had RCD-related complications. Five patients developed ulcerative jejunoileitis, 3 patients developed enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, and 1 patient developed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusions

SBCE can be a useful tool for monitoring the effects of treatment, primarily following its initiation. Patients with RCD type II have more extensive SB disease, equating to a more aggressive disease pattern.

Cellular and molecular bases of refractory celiac disease

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) encompasses biologically heterogeneous disorders that develop in a small proportion (0.3%) of individuals with celiac disease that are associated with high morbidity. Two broad categories are currently recognized, type I (RCD I) and type II (RCD II), based on immunophenotypic and molecular features of the intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). RCD I is characterized by a polyclonal expansion of IELs displaying a normal immunophenotype, while RCD II represents a clonal proliferation of immunophenotypically "aberrant" IELs, and is considered a low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder. The pathogenesis of RCD I has not been clarified, but limited studies suggest multifactorial etiology. On the other hand, recent immunologic, molecular and immunophenotypic analyses have proposed lineage-negative innate IELs to be the cell of origin of a proportion of RCD II cases. Furthermore, sequencing studies have identified frequent, recurrent, activating mutations in members of the JAK-STAT pathway in RCD II. This finding, in conjunction with prior in vitro experimental observations, suggests roles of deregulated cytokine signaling in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we describe current understanding of environmental, immune and genetic factors associated with the development of RCD and briefly discuss diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Refractory Celiac Disease Type II: A Case Report and Literature Review

We present an unusual case of 68-year-old male, who presented with acute abdomen, ulcerative jejunitis with perforation, and 2 months later with perforation of the sigmoid colon. We will also discuss difficulties in the delay in diagnosis of refractory celiac disease (RCD), specifically the atypical presentation, multiple surgeries, the consecutive failure of distinct therapeutic options, and multiple complications that occurred within the 3 months since first presentation.

Epithelial cell dysfunction in coeliac disease

The intestinal epithelium limits host-luminal interactions and maintains gut homeostasis. Breakdown of the epithelial barrier and villous atrophy are hallmarks of coeliac disease. Besides the well characterized immune-mediated epithelial damage induced in coeliac mucosa, constitutional changes and early gluten direct effects disturb intestinal epithelial cells. The subsequent modifications in key epithelial signaling pathways leads to outnumbered immature epithelial cells that, in turn, facilitate epithelial dysfunction, promote crypt hyperplasia, and increase intestinal permeability. Consequently, underlying immune cells have a greater access to gluten, which boosts the proinflammatory immune response against gluten and positively feedback the epithelial damage loop. Gluten-free diet is an indispensable treatment for coeliac disease patients, but additional therapies are under development, including those that reinforce intestinal epithelial healing. In this chapter, we provide an overview of intestinal epithelial cell disturbances that develop during gluten intake in coeliac disease mucosa.

Refractory coeliac disease: what should we be doing different?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide insight into the diagnosis and management of patients with refractory coeliac disease (RCD) and highlight recent advances in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnosis of RCD can be more accurately confirmed with flow cytometry in addition to immunohistochemistry. Dietary input and excretion of gluten immunogenic peptides can help rule out gluten contamination, and therefore, substantiate a diagnosis of RCD type I. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is important at diagnosis and follow-up in addition to duodenal histology. Apart from ruling out complications, it can give information on extent of disease in the small bowel, and therefore, help assess response to therapy. Those patients with a poor response can have earlier intensification of therapy, which may result in an improved outcome. RCD also occurs in patients with serology negative coeliac disease but with an increased mortality compared with patients with serology-positive coeliac disease.

SUMMARY

Patients with RCD can present with persistent symptoms of malnutrition but can also be completely asymptomatic. Serology is not a reliable marker to detect refractory disease. Immunostaining and flow cytometry are necessary for a diagnosis of RCD. Small bowel endoscopy enables disease extent to be assessed and allows for small bowel biopsies to be taken in case of suspicious lesions. Small bowel radiology can be complementary to small bowel endoscopy.

Refractory Celiac Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of refractory celiac disease, with a specific emphasis on recent literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

While the pathophysiology of type I refractory celiac disease remains unclear, there have been advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of type II refractory celiac disease. This has included recognition of the significant role of interleukin-15 and somatic mutations in JAK1 or STAT3 in the proliferation of aberrant T cells. This in turn has led to potential novel therapies targeting these factors, one of which has reached the clinical trial stage. The morbidity and mortality associated with type II refractory celiac disease remain significant; however, recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition have led to potential therapeutic options that should be investigated.

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and other cellular therapy in multiple sclerosis and immune-mediated neurological diseases: updated guidelines and recommendations from the EBMT Autoimmune Diseases Working Party (ADWP) and the Joint Accreditation Committee of EBMT and ISCT (JACIE)

These updated EBMT guidelines review the clinical evidence, registry activity and mechanisms of action of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other immune-mediated neurological diseases and provide recommendations for patient selection, transplant technique, follow-up and future development. The major focus is on autologous HSCT (aHSCT), used in MS for over two decades and currently the fastest growing indication for this treatment in Europe, with increasing evidence to support its use in highly active relapsing remitting MS failing to respond to disease modifying therapies. aHSCT may have a potential role in the treatment of the progressive forms of MS with a significant inflammatory component and other immune-mediated neurological diseases, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, neuromyelitis optica, myasthenia gravis and stiff person syndrome. Allogeneic HSCT should only be considered where potential risks are justified. Compared with other immunomodulatory treatments, HSCT is associated with greater short-term risks and requires close interspeciality collaboration between transplant physicians and neurologists with a special interest in these neurological conditions before, during and after treatment in accredited HSCT centres. Other experimental cell therapies are developmental for these diseases and patients should only be treated on clinical trials.

Familial Celiac Disease Remission as a Result of a Full Donor Immunologic Recovery After Sibling Cord Blood Transplantation for Chronic Granulomatous Disease: A Case Report

We present a case report of a boy diagnosed with both chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and familial celiac disease (CD) who underwent cord blood transplantation from a partially matched sibling donor. The presentation of CD resembled Crohn-like enteropathy, which is a canonical manifestation of CGD. Nearly 1 year post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a gluten-containing diet was reintroduced, and no reappearance of clinical, serologic, or histologic markers of CD was observed. The relatively high incidence of rare genetic diseases in pediatric patients suggests the need for additional caution in the interpretation of symptoms mimicking already known hallmarks of more common conditions. In addition, the presented data confirm the previous rare observations that allogeneic HSCT leads to durable induction of gluten tolerance in patients with CD, which can warrant its use in patients with refractory subtypes of CD.

Refractory Celiac Disease

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) refers to persistence of malnutrition and intestinal villous atrophy for more than 1 to 2 years despite strict gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease. Diagnosis remains difficult and impacts treatment and follow-up. RCD has been subdivided into 2 subgroups according to the normal (RCDI) or abnormal phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) (RCDII). RCDII is considered as a low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma and has a poor prognosis due to gastrointestinal and extraintestinal dissemination of the abnormal IELs, and high risk of overt lymphoma.

A Single-Tube, EuroClonality-Inspired, TRG Clonality Multiplex PCR Aids Management of Patients with Enteropathic Diseases, including from Formaldehyde-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine with villous atrophy that can become refractory to a gluten-free diet. Two categories of refractory celiac disease can be distinguished by the phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes and the status of TRG genes. Their distinction is important because 30% to 50% of type II but only 0% to 14% of type I evolve to an aggressive enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma and therefore require intensive treatment. Currently, differential diagnosis integrates immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, and TRG clonality analyses, but each has limitations. A single-tube multiplex TRG PCR (ECN) was prospectively compared to an in-house two-tube TRG PCR (N2T) in 73 samples, including 67 cryopreserved intestine tissues. Thirteen formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were also analyzed retrospectively. The ECN PCR had comparable efficiency to detect major clonal rearrangements in highly infiltrated tissues from T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and type II refractory celiac disease and to detect the persistence of minor clones in type II refractory celiac disease follow-up samples. The ECN PCR abolished the risk of amplification of false-positive weak clonal rearrangements in cryopreserved specimens and allowed improved detection of clonal rearrangements in DNA from FFPE samples. The ECN PCR allows robust assessment of cryopreserved and FFPE digestive tissues at diagnosis and follow-up of enteropathies with villous atrophy, thus guiding therapeutic management.

Capsule endoscopy for patients with coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune mediated condition in response to gluten. A combination of innate and adaptive immune responses results in villous shortening in the small bowel (SB) that can be morphologically picked up on capsule endoscopy. It is the only imaging modality that can provide mucosal views of the entire SB, while histology is generally limited to the proximal SB. Radiological modalities are not designed to pick up changes in villous morphology. Areas covered: In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis on the justified use of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in the assessment of patients with coeliac disease; compare SBCE to histology, serology, and symptomatology; and provide an overview on automated quantitative analysis for the detection of coeliac disease. We also provide insight into future work on SBCE in relation to coeliac disease. Expert commentary: SBCE has opened up new avenues for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with coeliac disease. However, larger studies with new and established coeliac disease patients and with greater emphasis on morphological features on SBCE are required to better define the role of SBCE in the setting of coeliac disease.

Investigational drug therapies for coeliac disease - where to from here?

INTRODUCTION

Despite decades of research and a detailed knowledge of the immunopathological basis of coeliac disease (CD), adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the single proven and available treatment. The increasing prevalence of CD combined with variable adherence to the GFD in a significant proportion of patients demands new therapeutic strategies.

AREAS COVERED

Trial registries, clinicaltrials.gov, pharmaceutical company website searches as well as published data from PubMed and conference proceedings were used to extract the most recent outcomes for CD therapeutics. This article aims to review the available therapies from a pathophysiological approach, and propose future directions in this interesting yet largely unfulfilled area of research.

EXPERT OPINION

Increasingly, the GFD is being challenged by its availability, palatability, practicality and now even efficacy in some populations. Whilst the causative antigens have been well described, it is clear that treatment based on the removal of these immunostimulatory peptides from the diet is far more complex than early experience in CD treatment implied. Despite burgeoning interest and research in experimental therapies for CD over the past twenty years, the only therapy showing promise as a true alternative to a GFD is that of the induction of tolerance via a vaccine.

New coeliac disease treatments and their complications

The only accepted treatment for coeliac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This type of diet may give rise to reduced patient quality of life with economic and social repercussions. For this reason, dietary transgressions are common and may elicit intestinal damage. Several treatments aimed at different pathogenic targets of coeliac disease have been developed in recent years: modification of gluten to produce non-immunogenic gluten, endoluminal therapies to degrade gluten in the intestinal lumen, increased gluten tolerance, modulation of intestinal permeability and regulation of the adaptive immune response. This review evaluates these coeliac disease treatment lines that are being researched and the treatments that aim to control disease complications like refractory coeliac disease.

A Tale of Two Lymphomas

We present a patient with coeliac disease who developed refractory coeliac disease II, which was complicated by the development of metachronous lymphomas.

CD4 T-cell cytokines synergize to induce proliferation of malignant and nonmalignant innate intraepithelial lymphocytes

Refractory celiac disease type II (RCDII) is a severe complication of celiac disease (CD) characterized by the presence of an enlarged clonal population of innate intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) lacking classical B-, T-, and natural killer (NK)-cell lineage markers (Lin^-IELs) in the duodenum. In ∼50% of patients with RCDII, these Lin^-IELs develop into a lymphoma for which no effective treatment is available. Current evidence indicates that the survival and expansion of these malignant Lin^-IELs is driven by epithelial cell-derived IL-15. Like CD, RCDII is strongly associated with HLA-DQ2, suggesting the involvement of HLA-DQ2-restricted gluten-specific CD4⁺ T cells. We now show that gluten-specific CD4⁺ T cells isolated from CD duodenal biopsy specimens produce cytokines able to trigger proliferation of malignant Lin^-IEL lines as powerfully as IL-15. Furthermore, we identify TNF, IL-2, and IL-21 as CD4⁺ T-cell cytokines that synergistically mediate this effect. Like IL-15, these cytokines were found to increase the phosphorylation of STAT5 and Akt and transcription of antiapoptotic mediator bcl-x_L Several small-molecule inhibitors targeting the JAK/STAT pathway blocked proliferation elicited by IL-2 and IL-15, but only an inhibitor targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway blocked proliferation induced by IL-15 as well as the CD4⁺ T-cell cytokines. Confirming and extending these findings, TNF, IL-2, and IL-21 also synergistically triggered the proliferation of freshly isolated Lin^-IELs and CD3^-CD56⁺ IELs (NK-IELs) from RCDII as well as non-RCDII duodenal biopsy specimens. These data provide evidence implicating CD4⁺ T-cell cytokines in the pathogenesis of RCDII. More broadly, they suggest that adaptive immune responses can contribute to innate IEL activation during mucosal inflammation.

Improving outcomes of refractory celiac disease - current and emerging treatment strategies

Intestinal inflammation and symptoms of celiac disease (CD) usually respond well to gluten withdrawal, but rare cases are refractory to diet. Two types of refractory CD are discriminated on the basis of the presence or absence of an atypical population of mucosal lymphocytes that may progress to enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. Challenges remain in the secure diagnosis of both types of refractory disease, and evidence on which to base treatment recommendations is flawed by the small numbers of reported patients and the use of different diagnostic strategies. Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of the condition in conjunction with the development of immunomodulatory agents for managing other inflammatory diseases are helping to shape future approaches to targeted therapy. Progression will depend on collaboration and recruitment to trials. In the meantime, there is evidence to suggest that earlier diagnosis and better follow-up and management of CD may prevent the development of refractoriness.

Current and novel therapeutic strategies in celiac disease

INTRODUCTION

A gluten free diet (GFD) is the only available treatment for celiac disease (CD). However many patients fail to respond fully clinically or histologically. Several surveys highlight the psychosocial implications of adherence to a GFD. Hence, efforts are ongoing to develop therapeutic strategies beyond a GFD.

AREAS COVERED

We conducted a search of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov to extract articles on CD using keywords including 'celiac disease' and 'refractory celiac disease' (RCD) and focused on articles conducting pathophysiologic and therapeutic research in/ex-vivo models and human trials. We highlight novel therapeutics that manipulate these mechanisms including tight junction regulators, glutenases, gluten sequestrants and immunotherapy using vaccines, nanoparticles that may serve as adjuncts to a GFD or more ambitiously to allow for gluten consumption. We also highlight the role of anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies in RCD. Expert commentary: Therapeutics including tight junction regulators, glutenases have the potential to be approved for non-responsive CD or as gluten adjuncts. We expect results of various phase 1/2 trials using AMG 714, BL 7010, IgY antibodies to be published. In the interim, off-label use of 5 amino-salicylates, budesonide, nucleoside analogues and newer biologics developed for other inflammatory diseases will be used in RCD.

Lymphoma development and survival in refractory coeliac disease type II: Histological response as prognostic factor

BACKGROUND

Refractory coeliac disease type II (RCDII) frequently transforms into an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) and therefore requires intensive treatment. Current evaluated treatment strategies for RCDII include cladribine (2-CdA) and autologous stem cell transplantation (auSCT).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term survival and define clear prognostic criteria for EATL development comparing two treatment strategies.

METHODS

A total of 45 patients were retrospectively analysed. All patients received 2-CdA, after which they were either closely monitored (monotherapy, n = 30) or a step-up approach was used including auSCT (step-up therapy, n = 15).

RESULTS

Ten patients (22%) ultimately developed EATL; nine of these had received monotherapy. Absence of histological remission after monotherapy was associated with EATL development (p = 0.010). Overall, 20 patients (44%) died with a median survival of 84 months. Overall survival (OS) within the monotherapy group was significantly worse in those without histological remission compared to those with complete histological remission(p = 0.030). The monotherapy group who achieved complete histological remission showed comparable EATL occurrence and OS as compared to the step-up therapy group (p = 0.80 and p = 0.14 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Histological response is an accurate parameter to evaluate the effect of 2-CdA therapy and this parameter should be leading in the decisions whether or not to perform a step-up treatment approach in RCDII.

A Refractory Celiac Patient Successfully Treated With Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusions

Type II refractory celiac disease (RCD), as defined according to the amount of aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes, is a condition characterized by severe malabsorption syndrome and poor prognosis, with no effective treatment. Based on the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we investigated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of serial infusions of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs in a 51-year-old woman with type II RCD. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated, expanded, and characterized following standard protocols. Monitoring of the patient's malabsorption indexes, mucosal architecture, and percentage of aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes was scheduled for the time of enrollment, at each infusion, and after 6 months. Determination of mucosal expression of interleukin (IL)-15 and its receptor was also performed. Expansion of MSCs was feasible, and the patient underwent 4 systemic infusions of 2 × 10(6) MSCs/kg body weight 4 months apart, without adverse effects. During the treatment period, she experienced gradual and durable amelioration of her general condition, with normalization of stool frequency, body mass index, laboratory test results, and mucosal architecture. Remarkably, the expression of IL-15 and its receptor almost completely disappeared. Thus, treatment of RCD with serial MSC infusions seems promising, leading to recovery from the life-threatening condition while blocking the IL-15 pathogenic pathway.

Concise Review: Cellular Therapies: The Potential to Regenerate and Restore Tolerance in Immune-Mediated Intestinal Diseases

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies, including celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, are lifelong disabling conditions whose cure is still an unmet need, despite the great strides made in understanding their complex pathogenesis. The advent of cellular therapies, mainly based on the use of stem cells, represents a great step forward thanks to their multitarget strategy. Both hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) have been employed in the treatment of refractory cases with promising results. The lack of immunogenicity makes MSC more suitable for therapeutic purposes as their infusion may be performed across histocompatibility locus antigen barriers without risk of rejection. The best outcome has been obtained when treating fistulizing Crohn's disease with local injections of MSC. In addition, both HSC and MSC proved successful in promoting regeneration of intestinal mucosa, and favoring the expansion of a T-cell regulatory subset. By virtue of the ability to favor mucosal homeostasis, this last cell population has been exploited in clinical trials, with inconsistent results. Finally, the recent identification of the epithelial stem cell marker has opened up the possibility of tissue engineering, with an array of potential applications for intestinal diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of action of these interconnected therapeutic strategies are still poorly understood. It is conceivable that over the next few years their role will become clearer as the biological interactions with injured tissues and the hierarchy by which they deliver their action are unraveled through a continuous moving from bench to bedside and vice versa. Stem Cells 2016;34:1474-1486.

Recognising and Managing Refractory Coeliac Disease: A Tertiary Centre Experience

Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is a rare complication of coeliac disease (CD) and involves malabsorption and villous atrophy despite adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for at least 12 months in the absence of another cause. RCD is classified based on the T-cells in the intra-epithelial lymphocyte (IEL) morphology into type 1 with normal IEL and type 2 with aberrant IEL (clonal) by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for T cell receptors (TCR) at the β/γ loci. RCD type 1 is managed with strict nutritional and pharmacological management. RCD type 2 can be complicated by ulcerative jejunitis or enteropathy associated lymphoma (EATL), the latter having a five-year mortality of 50%. Management options for RCD type 2 and response to treatment differs across centres and there have been debates over the best treatment option. Treatment options that have been used include azathioprine and steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, campath (an anti CD-52 monoclonal antibody), and cladribine or fluadribine with or without autologous stem cell transplantation. We present a tertiary centre's experience in the treatment of RCD type 2 where treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine was used, and our results show good response with histological recovery in 56.6% of treated individuals.

Mechanisms and management of refractory coeliac disease

A small subset of patients with coeliac disease become refractory to a gluten-free diet with persistent malabsorption and intestinal villous atrophy. The most common cause of this condition is inadvertent gluten exposure, but concomitant diseases leading to villous atrophy should also be considered and excluded. After exclusion of these conditions, patients are referred to as having refractory coeliac disease, of which two categories are recognized based on the absence (type I) or presence (type II) of a clonal expansion of premalignant intraepithelial lymphocyte population with a high potential for transformation into an overt enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. Type I disease usually has a benign course that can be controlled by mild immunosuppressive treatment, but type II can be more severe with cladribine with or without autologous stem cell transplantation effective as treatment. Patients who fail to respond to cladribine therapy, however, still have a high risk of malignant transformation. Insights into the immunophenotype of these cells and the recognition that type II disease is a low-grade, no-mass lymphoma opens avenues for new treatment strategies, including chemotherapeutic and immunomodulating strategies. This Review will provide an overview of refractory coeliac disease, discussing mechanisms, diagnosis and management.

A 37-year-old woman with refractory coeliac disease type II disease treated by stem cell transplantation

This case study describes the disease course and treatment of a rare disorder, refractory coeliac disease. This disorder is associated with a marked increase in the risk of development of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. The patient in question developed coeliac symptoms despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, having been symptom-free for over 7 years. She presented with marked oedema of the legs and a distended abdomen. Investigations--laboratory, radiological and enteroscopy findings--were consistent with the development of refractory coeliac disease. This case illustrates the background and course of this disease, and the treatment options.

Complications of coeliac disease

Within the past 20 years the spectrum of complications of coeliac disease (CD) has been considerably extended. Besides the classic complications, autoimmune diseases and osteopenia, numerous forms of CD non-responsive to a gluten-free diet have been recently identified. Among the non-responsive CD, the majority of patients presents as long term responders. However a small subset of CD patients becomes refractory to a gluten-free diet with persistent malabsorption and intestinal villous atrophy. Whereas refractory coeliac disease type I (RCDI) is hardly distinguishable from active CD, the type II (RCDII) has a severe clinical presentation and a very poor prognosis. Enteropathy Associated T cell Lymphoma (EATL) is even more aggressive with a five year survival of 20%. Classic adriamycin-based chemotherapy is poorly efficient in the lymphomatous complications of CD and current therapeutic strategies focus on more intensive regimen with autologous or allogenic stem cell transplantation. Notable pathogenic advances let us to test targeted therapy both in low (RCDII) and high grade lymphomatous (EATL) complications associated with CD.

Refractory celiac disease: epidemiology and clinical manifestations

A small subset of celiac disease (CD) patients becomes refractory to a gluten-free diet with persistent malabsorption and intestinal villous atrophy. This is a rare (probably less than 2% of adult CD patients), but serious disorder, with a high risk of progression to an overt T-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis of this condition defined as refractory CD (RCD) is made after exclusion of other small bowel diseases with villous atrophy. RCD has been subdivided into two subgroups according to the normal (RCDI) or abnormal phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes (RCDII). Whereas RCDI is hardly distinguishable from active noncompliant CD, RCDII has a severe clinical presentation and a very poor prognosis. We precisely describe below the different types of RCD and propose diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for its clinical management.

Therapy in RCDII: Rationale for Combination Strategies?

Refractory coeliac disease type II (RCDII) is characterized by a continuous gluten-independent duodenal immune activation with an extremely high risk of malignant transformation. It is therefore considered as an indolent lymphoma. RCDII is characterized by the presence of villous atrophy (Marsh III A-C) in combination with an aberrant intra- epithelial lymphocyte (IEL) population consisting of >20% sCD3-CD7+iCD3+ IELs. The sCD3-CD7+iCD3+ IELs are a heterogeneous lineage-negative cell population, consisting of cells that do or do not express CD127/IL7Rα. Experiments using IEL from non-RCDII patients have indicated that while the CD127- cells are IL-15 responsive, the CD127+ cells are not. Together with the observation that some patients express an aberrant (monoclonal) TCRγδ phenotype, this confirms the heterogeneity of the aberrant IEL population in RCDII and suggests that the aberrant cells are heterogeneous with respect to their response to common γ-chain cytokines. Although cladribine with or without autologous stem cell transplantation is effective in the treatment of signs and symptoms of RCDII and improves survival as compared to symptomatic topical steroid therapy, cladribine failures still bear a high risk of malignant transformation, and the rate of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) development in this subgroup is extremely high. It might be hypothesized that the heterogenous nature of aberrant IEL and the high risk of malignant transformation require a treatment strategy which is effective despite this heterogeneity. RCDII should be seen more in the light of a low-grade/no mass lymphoma or pre-EATL. We would suggest an upfront combination therapy approach integrating inhibition of downstream Jak-STAT signalling pathways with conventional therapy (2-CDA) to hopefully effectively treat signs and symptoms of RCDII and accomplish a more effective EATL prevention.

Are stem cells a potential therapeutic tool in coeliac disease?

Despite the growing understanding of its pathogenesis, the treatment of coeliac disease is still based on a lifelong gluten-free diet that, although efficacious, is troublesome for affected patients, and a definitive cure is still an unmet need. In this regard, the development of new chemical- and biological-derived agents has often resulted in unsatisfactory effects when tested in vivo, probably because of their ability to target only a single pathway, whilst the immunological cascade responsible for tissue injury is complex and redundant. The advent of cellular therapies, mainly based on the use of stem cells, is an emerging area of interest since it has the advantage of a multi-target strategy. Both haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells have been employed in the treatment of refractory patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, with promising results. However, the lack of immunogenicity makes mesenchymal stem cells more suitable than their haematopoietic counterpart, since their transplantation may be performed in the absence of a myeloablative conditioning regimen. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to harbour strong modulatory effects on almost all cells involved in immune response, together with a potent regenerative action. It is therefore conceivable that over the next few years their therapeutic use will increase as their biological interactions with injured tissues become clearer.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-malignant gastrointestinal diseases

Both, autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be used to cure or ameliorate a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The rationale behind this strategy is based on the concept of immunoablation using high-dose chemotherapy, with subsequent regeneration of naive T-lymphocytes derived from reinfused hematopoietic progenitor cells. In addition, the use of HSCT allows for the administration of high-dose chemotherapy (whether or not combined with immunomodulating agents such as antithymocyte globulin) resulting in a prompt remission in therapy-refractory patients. This review gives an update of the major areas of successful uses of HSCT in non-malignant gastrointestinal disorders. A Medline search has been conducted and all relevant published data were analyzed. HSCT has been proved successful in treating refractory Crohn’s disease (CD). Patients with refractory celiac disease type II and a high risk of developing enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma have shown promising improvement. Data concerning HSCT and mesenchymal SCT in end-stage chronic liver diseases are encouraging. In refractory autoimmune gastrointestinal diseases high-dose chemotherapy followed by HSCT seems feasible and safe and might result in long-term improvement of disease activity. Mesenchymal SCT for a selected group of CD is promising and may represent a significant therapeutic alternative in treating fistulas in CD.

Intestinal stem cells and celiac disease

Stem cells (SCs) are the key to tissue genesis and regeneration. Given their central role in homeostasis, dysfunctions of the SC compartment play a pivotal role in the development of cancers, degenerative disorders, chronic inflammatory pathologies and organ failure. The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to harsh mechanical and chemical conditions and most of the epithelial cells are replaced every 3 to 5 d. According to the so-called Unitarian hypothesis, this renewal is driven by a common intestinal stem cell (ISC) residing within the crypt base at the origin of the crypt-to-villus hierarchical migratory pattern. Celiac disease (CD) can be defined as a chronic immune-mediated disease that is triggered and maintained by dietary proteins (gluten) in genetically predisposed individuals. Many advances have been achieved over the last years in understanding of the pathogenic interactions among genetic, immunological and environmental factors in CD, with a particular emphasis on intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Conversely, little is known about ISC modulation and deregulation in active celiac disease and upon a gluten-free diet. Nonetheless, bone marrow-derived SC transplantation has become an option for celiac patients with complicated or refractory disease. This manuscript summarizes the “state of the art” regarding CD and ISCs, their niche and potential role in the development and treatment of the disease.

Refractory coeliac disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Concept of refractory coeliac disease (RCD) emerged in the past decade and refers to persistence of malnutrition and intestinal villous atrophy for more than 1 year strict gluten-free diet in coeliac patients. Diagnosis of this condition remains difficult and conditions treatment and follow-up.

RECENT FINDINGS

RCD has been subdivided into two subgroups according to the normal [type I RCD (RCDI)] or abnormal phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes [type II RCD (RCDII)]. RCDII is considered as a low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma and has a very poor prognosis, leading to intractable ulcerative jejunitis, gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal dissemination of the abnormal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and to their frequent transformation into a high-grade invasive lymphoma.

SUMMARY

Herein, we review here the distinctive diagnostic features of RCDI and RCDII, the risk of developing overt lymphoma and different therapeutic approaches.

Refractory celiac disease

A small subset of celiac disease (CD) patients becomes refractory to a gluten-free diet with persistent malabsorption and intestinal villous atrophy. Diagnosis of this condition defined as refractory celiac disease (RCD) is made after exclusion of other small bowel diseases with villous atrophy. RCD has been subdivided into two subgroups according to the normal or abnormal phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Whereas normal RCD is hardly distinguishable from active CD, abnormal RCD has a severe clinical presentation and a very poor prognosis. We precisely describe below the different types of RCD and propose diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for its clinical management.

Update on the diagnosis and management of refractory coeliac disease

A small subset of coeliac disease (CD) patients experiences persisting or recurring symptoms despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). When other causes of villous atrophy have been excluded, these patients are referred to as refractory celiac disease (RCD) patients. RCD can be divided in two types based on the absence (type I) or presence (type II) of an, usually clonal, intraepithelial lymphocyte population with aberrant phenotype. RCDI usually runs a benign course and may be difficult to be differentiated from uncomplicated, slow responding CD. In contrast, RCDII can be defined as low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma and frequently transforms into an aggressive enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma with dismal prognosis. This paper describes the clinical characteristics of RCDI and RCDII, diagnostic approach, and the latest insights in treatment options.

The management of refractory coeliac disease

A significant proportion of patients with coeliac disease are 'nonresponsive' to gluten withdrawal. Most cases of nonresponsive coeliac disease are due to persisting gluten ingestion. Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is currently defined by persistent symptoms and signs of malabsorption after gluten exclusion for 12 months with ongoing intestinal villous atrophy. Primary (without initial response to diet) and secondary (relapse following response to diet) RCD is recognized. RCD is further classified as type I or type II based on the absence or presence of a population of aberrant intestinal lymphocytes. Quality of dietetic advice and support is fundamental, and lack of objective corroboration of gluten exclusion may result in over-identification of RCD I, particularly in those cases with persisting antibody responses. Over-reliance on lymphocyte clonality similarly may result in over-diagnosis of RCD II which requires careful quantification of aberrant lymphocyte populations. Management of RCD should be undertaken in specialist centres. It requires initial intensive dietary supervision, strict gluten exclusion and subsequent re-evaluation. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend specific treatments. Steroids are often used in both RCD I and II (albeit with little objective evidence of benefit in RCD II), and azathioprine as steroid-sparing therapy in RCD I. There is growing evidence for the use of cladribine in RCD II with autologous stem cell transplantation in nonresponders, but this requires further multicentre evaluation. There remains considerable controversy regarding the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of RCD: international consensus in these areas is urgently required to facilitate future therapeutic advances.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may restore gluten tolerance in patients with celiac disease

We report on 2 patients affected by both celiac disease (CD) and β-thalassemia major who underwent successful myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the latter condition. After HSCT, the introduction of a gluten-containing diet did not cause the reappearance of clinical, serological, and histological markers of CD in up to 5 years of follow-up. After transplantation, in both patients, dendritic cells and regulatory FoxP3T cells showed a recovery of normal values and no proliferative T-cell response upon gliadin stimulation was found. These data suggest that allogeneic HSCT may lead to induction of gluten tolerance in patients with CD.

Nondietary therapies for celiac disease

Currently, the only available therapy for celiac disease is strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Although safe and effective, the GFD is not ideal. It is frequently expensive, of limited nutritional value, and not readily available in many countries. Consequently, a need exists for novel, nondietary therapies for celiac disease. Based on the current understanding of celiac disease pathogenesis, several potential targets of therapeutic intervention exist. These novel strategies provide promise of alternative, adjunctive treatment options but also raise important questions regarding safety, efficacy, and monitoring of long-term treatment effect.

Refractory celiac disease

A small subset of patients with celiac disease become refractory to a gluten-free diet, with persistent or recurrent symptoms of malabsorption and intestinal villous atrophy. This condition, defined as refractory celiac disease (RCD), is diagnosed after other small bowel diseases with villous atrophy are excluded. RCD is subdivided into 2 subgroups: type I RCD and type II RCD (RCDII). This latter condition is considered a low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma and has a poor prognosis. This article reviews the clinical and pathologic features of RCD and recent pathogenic findings in RCDII, offering a model to study how inflammation can drive T-cell lymphomagenesis.

Refractory celiac disease: from bench to bedside

Refractory celiac disease is defined by the persistence of symptoms of malnutrition and intestinal villous atrophy for more than 6-12 months despite strict gluten-free diet in celiac patients. Diagnosis of this rare condition is made after excluding other causes of chronic small intestinal inflammation and villous atrophy and inadvertent intake of gluten. Over the past 15 years, multidisciplinary approaches have been developed to assess the mechanism of resistance to the diet, and two distinct entities have been delineated. Type II refractory celiac disease (RCD) can be defined as a low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma. RCD II is characterised by a massive accumulation of abnormal IEL that display an aberrant hybrid NK/T cell phenotype, contain clonal T cell rearrangement(s) and can mediate a cytolytic attack of the gut epithelium. This condition has a severe prognosis, largely due to the frequent transformation of RCDII IEL into overt aggressive enteropathy-type-associated T cell lymphoma. In contrast, in type I RCD, intestinal lymphocytes have a normal phenotype, and this generally milder condition remains often difficult to differentiate from uncomplicated CD except for the resistance to gluten-free diet (GFD). Several mechanisms may underlie resistance to gluten. Herein, we review the distinctive characteristics of RCD I and RCD II, the mechanisms underlying the onset of resistance to GFD, the risk of developing high grade lymphoma and possible clues to improve their treatment.

Haematopoietic SCT in severe autoimmune diseases: updated guidelines of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

In 1997, the first consensus guidelines for haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in autoimmune diseases (ADs) were published, while an international coordinated clinical programme was launched. These guidelines provided broad principles for the field over the following decade and were accompanied by comprehensive data collection in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) AD Registry. Subsequently, retrospective analyses and prospective phase I/II studies generated evidence to support the feasibility, safety and efficacy of HSCT in several types of severe, treatment-resistant ADs, which became the basis for larger-scale phase II and III studies. In parallel, there has also been an era of immense progress in biological therapy in ADs. The aim of this document is to provide revised and updated guidelines for both the current application and future development of HSCT in ADs in relation to the benefits, risks and health economic considerations of other modern treatments. Patient safety considerations are central to guidance on patient selection and HSCT procedural aspects within appropriately experienced and Joint Accreditation Committee of International Society for Cellular Therapy and EBMT accredited centres. A need for prospective interventional and non-interventional studies, where feasible, along with systematic data reporting, in accordance with EBMT policies and procedures, is emphasized.

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.

How I treat enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a complication of celiac disease (CD). This tumor derives from the neoplastic transformation of aberrant intraepithelial T lymphocytes emerging in celiac patients unresponsive to a gluten-free diet. Poor adherence to a gluten-free diet, HLA-DQ2 homozygosity, and late diagnosis of CD are recognized as risk factors for malignant evolution of CD. Recurrence of diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, fever, and night sweating should alert physicians to this complication. The suspicion of EATL should lead to an extensive diagnostic workup in which magnetic resonance enteroclysis, positron emission tomography scan, and histologic identification of lesions represent the best options. Treatment includes high-dose chemotherapy preceded by surgical resection and followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, although biologic therapies seem to be promising. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet remains the only way to prevent EATL.

Evaluation of Cladribine treatment in refractory celiac disease type II

AIM: To evaluate cladribine [2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA)] therapy in refractory celiac disease (RCD) II.

METHODS: An open-label cohort-study of RCD II patients treated with 2-CdA was performed between 2000 and 2010. Survival rate, enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) occurrence, clinical course, and histological and immunological response rates were evaluated.

RESULTS: Overall, 32 patients were included with a median follow-up of 31 mo. Eighteen patients responded well to 2-CdA. Patients responsive to 2-CdA had a statistically significant increased survival compared to those who were unresponsive. The overall 3- and 5-year survival was 83% in the responder and 63% and 22% in the non-responder group, respectively. The overall 2-year clinical, histological and immunological response rates were 81%, 47% and 41%, respectively. Progression into EATL was reported in 16%, all of these patients died.

CONCLUSION: Treatment of RCD II with 2-CdA holds promise, showing excellent clinical and histological response rates, and probably less frequent transition into EATL.