Should patients with coeliac disease have their bone mineral density measured?

Prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in men and premenopausal women with celiac disease: a systematic review

Background

Celiac disease (CD) is known as a reason of metabolic osteopathy. Progression of non-invasive methods such as bone densitometry has shown that an important ratio of CD cases is faced with impaired bone mass and such cases are prone to bone fractures. Variety of low bone mineral density in CD is probably because of ignored confounding factors such as age, menopause, and drug. The aim of our study was to systematically review the osteoporosis and osteopenia incidences among premenopausal females and males with CD.

Methods

This systematic review was done based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Scopus and Cochran databases were searched according to the relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) of CD and bone mineral density until 2018. Prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis were used as effect size for meta-analysis. Cochrane Q (p < 0.05) and I² index were presented to reveal the heterogeneity.

Results

54 eligible full text reviews were included and nineteen selected for data extraction. Eleven articles didn’t have our inclusion criteria and had ignored confounding factors like age and menopause, and we excluded; data extraction was done in eight studies. A total of 563 premenopausal women and men who were from, UK, Brazil, India, Hungary, and Poland were included. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis was 14.4% [95%CI: 9–20.5%] (Cochrane Q = 7.889, p = 0.96, I² = 49.29%), and osteopenia was 39.6% [31.1–48.8%] (Cochrane Q = 14.24, p = 0.07, I² = 71.92%), respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that bone loss is more prevalent in celiac disease and can be associated with increased risk of fracture. However, but results are pooled prevalence and we need more case –control studies with more sample size and consideration of confounding factors.

Descriptive Study of the Different Tools Used to Evaluate the Adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet in Celiac Disease Patients

Celiac disease (CD) is a genetically conditioned autoimmune process that appears in susceptible people. It can affect people of any age, and slightly predominates in females. It has a fairly homogenous global distribution, with an average prevalence of 1⁻2%, the frequency having increased in recent decades. The only effective treatment is a strict and permanent gluten-free diet (GFD), although the level of compliance is poor, at about 50% of cases. To monitor the effectiveness of the GFD, several procedures involving various approaches are employed: (a) Periodic visits by expert Nutritionists; (b) Clinical follow-up; (c) Serological time controls of specific antibodies; (d) Serial endoscopies with collection of duodenal biopsies; (e) Use of structured questionnaires; and (f) Determination of gluten peptides derived from gluten in faeces and/or urine. All of these procedures are useful when applied, alone or in combination, depending on the cases. Some patients will only need to consult to their doctors, while others will require a multidisciplinary approach to assess their compliance with the GFD. In children, normalization of duodenal mucosa was achieved in 95% of cases within two years, while it is more delayed in adults, whose mucosa take longer time (3⁻5 years) to heal completely.

Risk factors associated with osteoporosis in a cohort of prospectively diagnosed adult coeliac patients

BACKGROUND

Up to 75% of patients with untreated coeliac disease (CD) present with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Guidelines do not express with certainty whether each patient with newly diagnosed CD should undergo a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.

AIM

The aim of this article is to evaluate the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) alterations at diagnosis and risk factors associated with osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 214 adult patients (median age 38 years; female = 71.5%) newly diagnosed with CD underwent DEXA. The patients were divided into three groups: patients with normal BMD, those with osteopenia and those with osteoporosis. Clinical, histological and serological features were assessed and compared among the three groups. Logistic regression including relevant independent variables was performed.

RESULTS

DEXA indicated that 39.7%, 42.5% and 17.8% of the CD patients had normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively. Logistic regression indicated that features significantly associated with osteoporosis were male gender (OR 4.7; 95%CI 1.1 to 20.8), age ≥45 years (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.3 to 32.2), underweight (OR 7.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 42.5) and greater histological damage (Marsh 3C; OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 24.1).

CONCLUSIONS

BMD alterations were found in 60.3% of newly diagnosed adult coeliac patients. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with age ≥45 years, male gender, underweight and Marsh 3C, suggesting that at CD diagnosis, a DEXA scan might be beneficial, particularly in these subgroups of patients.

Age-related differences in celiac disease: Specific characteristics of adult presentation

Celiac disease may appear both in early childhood and in elderly subjects. Current knowledge of the disease has revealed some differences associated to the age of presentation. Furthermore, monitoring and prognosis of celiac subjects can vary depending on the pediatric or adult stage. The main objective of this review is to provide guidance for the adult diagnostic and follow-up processes, which must be tailored specifically for adults and be different from pediatric patients.

Pathologic bone alterations in celiac disease: etiology, epidemiology, and treatment

Low bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis are frequent complications of celiac disease (CD). The etiology of pathologic bone alterations in CD is multifactorial; however, two main mechanisms are involved: intestinal malabsorption and chronic inflammation. A strict gluten-free diet (GFD) is thought to be the only effective treatment for CD; but treating bone complications related to CD remains complex. The objective of this review is to elucidate the bones problems related to CD and to increase awareness of osteoporosis development, considered as a sign of atypical CD presentation. Currently, a question of whether GFD alone is an effective treatment to correct the bone alterations in patients with CD is under debate. This review presents factors contributing to pathologic bone derangement, recent research on the epidemiology of low BMD, osteoporosis, and fractures, and the treatment of bone problems in patients with CD. The roles of calcium and transport mechanisms are additionally presented.

Appropriate nutrient supplementation in celiac disease

Reduced levels of iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium are common in untreated celiac disease (CD) patients probably due to loss of brush border proteins and enzymes needed for the absorption of these nutrients. In the majority of patients, removal of gluten from the diet leads to histological recovery and normalization of iron, vitamin, and mineral levels. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common extra-intestinal sign of CD and usually resolves with adherence to a gluten-free diet. However, deficiencies of both folate and vitamin B12 may persist in some patients on a gluten-free diet, thus requiring vitamin supplementation to improve subjective health status. Similarly, exclusion of gluten from the diet does not always normalize bone mineral density; in these cases, supplementation of vitamin D and calcium is recommended. Resolution of mucosal inflammation may not be sufficient to abrogate magnesium deficiency. Since gluten-free cereal products have a lower magnesium content as compared with gluten-containing counterparts, a magnesium-enriched diet should be encouraged in CD patients. In this article we discuss the frequency and clinical relevance of nutrient deficiency in CD and whether and when nutrient supplementation is needed.

Bone mass and mineral metabolism alterations in adult celiac disease: pathophysiology and clinical approach

Osteoporosis affects many patients with celiac disease (CD), representing the consequence of calcium malabsorption and persistent activation of mucosal inflammation. A slight increase of fracture risk is evident in this condition, particularly in those with overt malabsorption and in postmenopausal state. The adoption of a correct gluten-free diet (GFD) improves bone derangement, but is not able to normalize bone mass in all the patients. Biomarkers effective in the prediction of bone response to gluten-free diet are not yet available and the indications of guidelines are still imperfect and debated. In this review, the pathophysiology of bone loss is correlated to clinical aspects, defining an alternative proposal of management for this condition.

Evaluation and management of skeletal health in celiac disease: position statement

OBJECTIVE

To review the evaluation and management of skeletal health in patients with celiac disease (CD), and to make recommendations on screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of low bone mineral density (BMD) in CD patients.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team developed clinically relevant questions for review. An electronic search of the literature was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1996 to 2010. All original studies, reviews and guidelines, both pediatric and adult, were included. A document summarizing the results of the review and proposed recommendations was prepared and underwent multiple revisions until consensus was reached.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, approximately one-third of adult CD patients have osteoporosis, one-third have osteopenia and one-third have normal BMD. Children with CD have low bone mass at diagnosis. Adult and pediatric CD patients are at increased risk of fractures.

DISCUSSION

For adults, serum calcium, albumin, 25(OH) vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone and 24 h urine calcium testing should be performed at diagnosis; patients with 'classic' CD and those at risk for osteoporosis should undergo a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan. An abnormal baseline dual x-ray absorptiometry scan should be repeated one to two years after initiation of a gluten-free diet (GFD). For children, BMD should be assessed one year after diagnosis if GFD adherence is not strict. A GFD is the most important treatment for bone loss. Supplemental antiresorptives may be justified in those who remain at high fracture risk (eg, postmenopausal women, older men) after implementation of a GFD.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence does not support the screening of all CD patients for low BMD at diagnosis. Follow-up BMD assessment should be performed one to two years after initiation of a GFD.

The clinical significance of 25OH-Vitamin D status in celiac disease

Reduced bone mineral density is frequently found especially in adult celiac disease (CD) and dietary guidelines favor vitamin D supplementation in adults and children with CD. Vitamin D serum levels were investigated in CD populations in order to challenge its routine supplementation. Israeli (61), Spanish (59), CD children (groups 1 and 5, respectively) were compared to children with nonspecific abdominal pain (56), their parents (84) and Spanish adult CD patients (22) (group 2, 3, 4, respectively). 25(OH)-vitamin D was checked by LIAISON chemiluminescent immunoassays. Groups 5 and 1 had the highest levels compared to groups 4 and 3 with the lowest levels. The levels in groups 1 and 2 were comparable. Concerning 25(OH)-vitamin D sera levels, only the difference between group 5 and 4 was statistically significant (30.3 ± 12.3 and 20.2 ± 10.5 ng/ml, respectively p=0.003). When vitamin D was splitted above and below 20 ng/ml level, 54.5% of Spanish adult CD had vitamin D deficiency compared to 16.9% of the local CD children (p=0.001). 29.6% of group 2 had deficient levels compared to their parents with 50% (p=0.019). In conclusion, Vitamin D sera levels negatively correlate with age. Thus, mainly adult CD population should be assessed for vitamin D levels and supplemented accordingly.

Bone mineral density directly correlates with duodenal Marsh stage in newly diagnosed adult celiac patients

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in a prospective series of adult celiac patients and to identify nutritional and metabolic factors associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

METHODS

Patients over 18 years of age who were consecutively and newly diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) were recruited. A bone density scan with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was carried out on the left hip and lumbar spine; nutritional parameters were analyzed and a hormone study conducted in order to exclude secondary low BMD.

RESULTS

40 patients (36 females/4 males) between the ages of 18 and 68 (mean 44.25 years) were recruited. Overall, at the moment of diagnosis 45% of patients exhibited low BMD at both demarcations. Risk of hip fracture was generally low, but ascended to mild in patients with villous atrophy (p = 0.011). Differences in major fracture risk were also observed depending on Marsh stage (p = 0.015). Significant differences were observed in nutritional status between patients with and without duodenal villous atrophy, with body mass index and blood levels of prealbumin, iron, vitamin D and folic acid significantly lower in Marsh III stage patients. No differences were found in blood hormone levels between Marsh stages or BMDs. The degree of bone mass loss in the lumbar spine directly correlated to Marsh stage. In the hip, a parallel association between BMD and Marsh stage was also observed, but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Duodenal villous atrophy, through malabsorption, was the main determinant factor for low BMD in adult-onset CD patients.

Bone mineralization in celiac disease

Evidence indicates a well-established relationship between low bone mineral density (BMD) and celiac disease (CD), but data on the pathogenesis of bone derangement in this setting are still inconclusive. In patients with symptomatic CD, low BMD appears to be directly related to the intestinal malabsorption. Adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) will reverse the histological changes in the intestine and also the biochemical evidence of calcium malabsorption, resulting in rapid increase of BMD. Nevertheless, GFD improves BMD but does not normalize it in all patients, even after the recovery of intestinal mucosa. Other mechanisms of bone injury than calcium and vitamin D malabsorption are thought to be involved, such as proinflammatory cytokines, parathyroid function abnormalities, and misbalanced bone remodeling factors, most of all represented by the receptor activator of nuclear factor B/receptor activator of nuclear factor B-ligand/osteoprotegerin system. By means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), it is now rapid and easy to obtain semiquantitative values of BMD. However, the question is still open about who and when submit to DXA evaluation in CD, in order to estimate risk of fractures. Furthermore, additional information on the role of nutritional supplements and alternative therapies is needed.

[Clinical practice guidelines for evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis associated to endocrine and nutritional conditions. Bone Metabolism Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology]

OBJECTIVE

To provide practical recommendations for evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis associated to endocrine diseases and nutritional conditions.

PARTICIPANTS

Members of the Bone Metabolism Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology, a methodologist, and a documentalist.

METHODS

Recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. A systematic search was made in MEDLINE (Pubmed), using the following terms associated to the name of each condition: AND "osteoporosis", "fractures", "bone mineral density", and "treatment". Papers in English with publication date before 18 October 2011 were included. Current evidence for each disease was reviewed by two group members, and doubts related to the review process or development of recommendations were resolved by the methodologist. Finally, recommendations were discussed in a meeting of the Working Group.

CONCLUSIONS

The document provides evidence-based practical recommendations for evaluation and management of endocrine and nutritional diseases associated to low bone mass or an increased risk of fracture. For each disease, the associated risk of low bone mass and fragility fractures is given, recommendations for bone mass assessment are provided, and treatment options that have shown to be effective for increasing bone mass and/or to decreasing fragility fractures are listed.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, and bone

The article summarizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis, clinical aspects and treatment of bone problems in the major inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and celiac disease. It presents the physiological relationship between intestine and bone as well as the alterations determined by disease-disrupted intestinal integrity. Two hypotheses about the pathogenetic mechanisms of bone metabolism derangements and bone loss are discussed: the classical one, that indicates calcium malabsorption as the main culprit, and the new one, that emphasizes the role of inflammation. The article summarizes the available epidemiological data about osteopenia/osteoporosis and fragility fractures in these chronic intestinal diseases and presents the state-of-the-art treatment options.

Coeliac disease-specific tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies are associated with osteoporosis and related fractures in middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the serological marker for coeliac disease, tissue transglutaminase autoantibody (tTGAb), is associated with decreased bone mass density (BMD) and increased frequency of fractures in middle-aged women screened for osteoporosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 6480 women (mean age 56 years, range 50-64) who answered a number of questionnaires and who underwent dual X-ray absorptiometry of the wrist bone. Serum samples were analysed for tTGAb using radioligand binding assays. A tTGAb level of >4 U/ml was used to determine a positive value and a level of >17 U/ml was used as an alternative discrimination of high levels.

RESULTS

A tTGAb level >4 U/ml was found among 90/6480 (1.4%) women and correlated with lower BMD (multiple linear regression coefficient -382.1; 95% CI = - 673.6-90.7, p=0.011) and with fracture frequency (r=0.18, p=0.023). The 59 women with tTGAb levels >or=17 U/ml had a lower BMD (0.41+/-0.08 g/cm(2) versus 0.44+/-0.08 g/cm(2), p=0.001) and a lower T-score (-1.40+/-1.28 versus -0.90+/-1.40, p=0.003) as well as a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (13.4% versus 6.5%, p=0.008) compared with the remaining 6421 women with tTGAb levels <17 U/ml. Furthermore, fracture frequency was more pronounced in women with tTGAb levels >or=17 U/ml, among whom 19/59 (32.2%) had fractures during the study period compared with 1204/6421 (18.8%) among women with tTGAb levels <17 U/ml (p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of tTGAb indicating coeliac disease are associated with lower BMD and higher fracture frequency in women between 50 and 64 years of age. Osteometry is therefore warranted in middle-aged women detected with tTGAb.

Symposium 1: Joint BAPEN and British Society of Gastroenterology Symposium on ‘Coeliac disease: basics and controversies’ Coeliac disease in the twenty-first century

Coeliac disease (CD), traditionally perceived as a rare childhood condition presenting with malabsorption, is instead an autoimmune multisystem disorder usually presenting in adulthood, affecting ⩾1% of the population and linked to the genetic expression of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) DQ2 and DQ8. Presentation occurs most often in the 40–60 years age-group, but potentially at any age. Symptoms attributable to the gut or to malabsorption may be mild, non-specific or absent; under one-third of patients have diarrhoea and almost half are overweight. Histological diagnosis no longer requires small intestine villous atrophy. The Marsh classification recognizes increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and crypt hyperplasia with intact villi as part of the gluten enteropathy spectrum, while some individuals have more subtle abnormalities identified only on electron microscopy. Serological testing for CD autoantibodies (to endomysium and tissue transglutaminase) has revolutionized diagnosis, shifting the process towards primary care. However, a substantial number of patients with CD are seronegative, particularly those without villous atrophy. The autoantibody to endomysium may be produced before histological change. The immune response to transglutaminase is crucial to the disease process. An exciting new development is the link between antibodies to organ-specific transglutaminases and clinical presentation; transglutaminases 2 (gut), 3 (skin) and 6 (nervous system). Negative testing for CD does not preclude its development later and HLA testing may allow ‘once and for all’ exclusion. In conclusion, an increasing proportion of patients with CD do not meet the ‘classic’ picture of malabsorption, positive serological testing and villous atrophy. Insisting on all these criteria for diagnosis will result in under diagnosis.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small bowel induced in genetically susceptible people by the irritant gluten and possibly other environmental cofactors. The disorder is characterised by a diverse clinical heterogeneity that ranges from asymptomatic to severely symptomatic, and it manifests with frank malabsorption, an increased morbidity attributable to the frequent association with autoimmune disorders and increased mortality resulting from the emergence of T-cell clonal proliferations that predispose the patient to enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma. Our understanding of the molecular basis for this disorder has improved and enabled the identification of targets for new therapies, although a strict gluten-free diet remains the mainstay of safe and effective treatment. In this Seminar we critically reassess the clinical and diagnostic aspects of this disease and new perspectives in its pathogenesis and treatment.

Bone in celiac disease

Chronic inflammation and malabsorption in celiac disease (CD) can cause bone metabolism alterations and bone mineral loss in children and adults. Bone status before and after gluten-free diet, epidemiology of fractures, and possible treatment options for CD-related osteoporosis are presented. Controversial aspects of this complication of CD are discussed. The relationship between bone derangements and celiac disease (CD) was recognized almost 50 years ago, but many questions are still open. We are now aware that osteoporosis is a relatively frequent atypical presentation of CD, especially in adults, and that undiagnosed CD can be the cause of osteoporosis and related fractures. Chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases, including CD, can affect bone and mineral metabolism because of alterations in both systemic and local regulatory factors. The pathogenetic processes are still controversial, but two main mechanisms seem to be involved: intestinal malabsorption and the presence of chronic inflammation. This review analyzes the published data on bone involvement in children, adolescents, and adults either before or after a gluten-free diet. Special attention is paid to the epidemiology of fractures in celiac patients, considering that fractures are a major complication of osteoporosis and an important problem in the management of a chronic disease like CD. The usefulness of screening osteoporotic patients systematically for CD is still an open question, but some rules can be given. Finally, the current treatment options for children and adults are discussed. Recommendations for future clinical research are proposed.

Systematic review: The evidence base for long-term management of coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

While gluten-free diet is an effective treatment for coeliac disease, the need for and goals of long-term management of patients are poorly defined.

AIM

To review systematically the complications and associations of coeliac disease, to identify potential risk factors, to define ways of assessing risk factors and to provide a strategy for management.

METHODS

Review of medical literature from 1975.

RESULTS

There is an increasing list of potential complications and/or conditions associated with coeliac disease, in particular, autoimmune disease, malignancy and bone disease. Risk factors that may predict or influence long-term outcomes include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors predominantly gluten ingestion, persistent small intestinal inflammation/injury and nutritional deficiencies. Genotyping of patients is yet to have an established clinical role in long-term management. Assessment of adherence to the gluten-free diet largely relies upon skilled dietary history, but the ultimate test is duodenal histopathology, which is the only currently established means of assessing healing. Symptoms, serology or other non-invasive means are poor predictors of healing and the likelihood of complications.

CONCLUSION

Evidence (albeit limited) that adherence to a gluten-free diet and mucosal healing prevent and/or ameliorate complications indicates that a planned long-term strategy for follow-up is essential.

Chronic pediatric inflammatory diseases: effects on bone

In children, chronic inflammatory diseases present a significant challenge to long-term skeletal health. These conditions are often associated with poor appetite and suboptimal overall nutrition, altered nutrient utilization, delayed puberty, inactivity, and reduced muscle mass, all of which can alter bone metabolism. In addition, bone cell activity is susceptible to the effects of the immune response that characterizes these diseases. Moreover, drugs used to treat these maladies, notably glucocorticoids, may have negative effects on bone formation and on linear growth in developing children. As a result, predicted peak bone mass may not be achieved, and fracture risk may be increased in the short term or in the future. Studies using primarily dual energy X-ray absorptiometry have documented that deficits in bone mass are common in these diseases. However, there are wide variations in the prevalence of low bone mass, largely due to differences in the characteristics of each study population. Recent studies provide insight into the pathogenesis of decreased bone mass in these conditions. In this paper we will provide an overview of the effects of chronic inflammatory conditions on bone mass in children. We will also present relevant data from adult patients, when pediatric data are scant or not available.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Metabolic bone disease in gastrointestinal illness

Metabolic bone disease is often silent, often undiagnosed, and occurs frequently in patients with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses. Potentially modifiable risk factors, such as malnutrition, malabsorption, prolonged use of glucocorticoids, and a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to low bone mass, an increased rate of bone loss, and debilitating bone disease. This article explores common gastrointestinal illnesses that place patients at risk for developing metabolic bone disease. Concepts are presented to assist the practitioner in identifying patients at risk; clinical evaluation and diagnostic test selection are discussed, and therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of metabolic bone disease in gastrointestinal illness are presented.

Overweight in celiac disease: prevalence, clinical characteristics, and effect of a gluten-free diet

BACKGROUND

It is well established that a minority of celiac patients present with "classic" symptoms due to malabsorption. However, few studies have focussed on the distribution of body mass index (BMI) in celiac populations and its relationship to clinical characteristics, or on its response to treatment.

METHODS

We reviewed BMI measurements and other clinical and pathological characteristics from a database of 371 celiac patients diagnosed over a 10-yr period and seen by a single gastroenterologist. To assess response to gluten exclusion, we compared BMI at diagnosis and after 2 yr treatment in patients with serological support for dietary compliance.

RESULTS

Mean BMI was 24.6 kg/m2 (range 16.3-43.5). Seventeen patients (5%) were underweight (BMI < 18.5), 211 (57%) were normal, and 143 (39%) were overweight (BMI > or = 25), including 48 (13% of all patients) in the obese range (BMI > or = 30.0). There was a significant association between low BMI and female gender, history of diarrhea, reduced hemoglobin concentration, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and higher grades (subtotal/total) of villous atrophy. Of patients compliant with a gluten-free diet, 81% had gained weight after 2 yr, including 82% of initially overweight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Few celiac patients are underweight at diagnosis and a large minority is overweight; these are less likely to present with classical features of diarrhea and reduced hemoglobin. Failed or delayed diagnosis of celiac disease may reflect lack of awareness of this large subgroup. The increase in weight of already overweight patients after dietary gluten exclusion is a potential cause of morbidity, and the gluten-free diet as conventionally prescribed needs to be modified accordingly.

Health-related quality of life in adult coeliac disease in Germany: results of a national survey

OBJECTIVE

No national survey on the present clinical spectrum and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people with coeliac disease has been conducted in Germany until now.

METHODS

The German Coeliac Society DZG posted a set of questionnaires (self-developed socio-demographic and medical questionnaire, the Short Form Health Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Giessen Symptom Check List) to 1000/18 355 of their members who were >/=18 years (every 18th member following consecutive postal codes of the membership directory).

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty-six usable questionnaires were returned (diagnosis proven by biopsy; 78% female, median age 45.5 years). The median interval between the first medical examination due to symptoms of coeliac disease and the final diagnosis was 1 year. Ninety-eight percent reported a reduction of initial symptoms, 85% an improvement of HRQOL with a median gain in weight of 8 kg after starting a gluten-free diet (median duration of 6 years). Sixty-seven percent adhered all the time to the dietary regimen and 26% adhered most of the time. The most frequent diseases associated with coeliac disease were osteoporosis (15%), oral aphtae (12%) and dermatitis herpetiformis (9%). Because of the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms 26% of the patients met the modified Rome I criteria for irritable bowel symptom. Compared to representative samples from the German population, coeliac disease patients had higher scores for anxiety , fatigue, dyspeptic and musculoskeletal pain, and a reduced HRQOL in 9/10 scales of the SF-36 (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite being on a gluten-free diet German coeliac disease patients suffer from a high burden of general and extra-intestinal symptoms and a reduced HRQOL.