Clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness of HLA genotyping in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in screening for coeliac disease in the Netherlands

Is HLA-DQ typing useful in screening for celiac disease among Arabs with type 1 diabetes? A case-control study

OBJECTIVES

The data on the usefulness of DQ-typing in screening for celiac disease (CD) among type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients came from the West. We conducted this study among T1D patients to: (1) determine the frequency of DQ-genotypes, (2) assess the risk associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ genotypes, and (3) identify the cost-effective screening strategy.

METHODS

HLA-DQ genotyping was performed on 67 T1D patients with CD (cases) (mean age 15 years) and 224 T1D patients without CD (controls) (mean age 18.29 years) (2021-2023). The entry criterion for the control group was duration of T1D ≥5 years and negative annual celiac serology assay.

RESULTS

On comparison of the cases versus controls, T1D patients carrying homozygous DQ2.5 genotype (30% vs. 13.8%) or DR3-DQ2.5 haplotype (81.3% vs. 65.7%) showed significantly "higher risk" (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64, p = 0.002; OR = 2.3, p = 0.008, respectively) to develop CD. Only 4% do not harbor any of the CD-at risk genotypes (DQ2.5, DQ8, or DQ2.2) and none developed CD. Heterozygous DQ8 was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing CD with OR of 0.123 (1.5% in cases vs. 10.3% in controls, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Only 4% of Saudi patients with T1D carry DQ-genotypes at no risk to develop CD, which supports the European guidelines that recommend celiac serology test as the most cost-effective screening method. We identified the risk gradient associated with DQ-genotypes to develop CD in our population which could help in counseling patients for the risk to develop CD and planning follow-up serology tests.

Accuracy of Serological Screening for the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Children

Background and Objectives: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are considered at high-risk for developing celiac disease (CD). The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of CD among children who were followed in our unit for T1D using the latest ESPGHAN guidelines, and avoiding intestinal biopsies in some of the children. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective monocentric study, which included 663 T1D children between June 2014 and June 2016. We considered CD according to serological (tissue transglutaminase (TGAs) and endomysium antibodies) results. Children were included either at the time of T1D diagnosis or during their follow up. We looked for clinical and biochemical signs of CD, and for T1D characteristics. Results: The children's ages ranged from 11 months to 18 years. CD was confirmed in 32 out of 663 patients with T1D, with a prevalence of 4.8%. CD was excluded in 619 children and remained uncertain for 12 children, who had positive TGAs without the required criteria. We found that 95% of T1D children express HLA-DQ2 and/or -DQ8, which was 2.4 times higher than in the general population. Conclusions: An intestinal biopsy could be avoided to confirm CD in the majority of T1D children. Silent forms of CD are frequent and screening is recommended for all patients. Importantly, repeated TGA assessment is required in HLA genetically predisposed T1D patients, while it is unnecessary in the 5% who are HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 negative.

HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes and anti-transglutaminase antibodies as celiac disease markers in a pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective

Evaluate the celiac disease (CD) markers, within the scope of its screening, in a pediatric population with diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Hospital de Braga (HB) and determine the prevalence of CD in the sample. Reflect on CD screening algorithm applied in this pediatric population.

Methods

Retrospective observational study with 94 patients diagnosed with T1D at age 10 years or younger, followed up at the HB Outpatient Diabetology Consultation, including those referred from other hospitals. Record of clinical information, IgA anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysium and HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes.

Results

We obtained positive serological test for CD in 4 patients. This test had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of CD was 4.3% (n = 4). Positive HLA screening in 84.6% of patients, with both sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% and specificity of 16.67%. Diagnosis of CD was made on average 3.40 ± 3.32 years after the diagnosis of TD1. All cases of CD registered non-gastrointestinal manifestations, none had gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion

This study proved that there is a higher prevalence of CD in pediatric population with TD1, when compared to general population, and clarified the importance of CD screening. Furthermore, it was observed that serological screening for CD antibodies is an excellent screening test and HLA typing, although not the most suitable first line test, can be useful in excluding the possibility of patients with T1D developing CD.

Combination of HLA-DQ2/-DQ8 Haplotypes and a Single MSH5 Gene Variant in a Polish Population of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes as a First Line Screening for Celiac Disease?

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk for developing celiac disease (CD). The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of celiac-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype and the rs3130484 variant of MSH5 gene, a previously described non-HLA variant associated with CD in the Polish population as a first-line screening for CD in T1D pediatric patients. Serological CD screening performed in the T1D group (n = 248) and healthy controls (n = 551) allowed for CD recognition in 20 patients (8.1%) with T1D (T1D + CD group). HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 and the rs3130484 variant were genotyped with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. The T1D + CD group presented a higher, but not statistically significant, frequency of HLA-DQ2 in comparison with T1D subjects. Combining the rs3130484 with HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8 typing significantly increased the sensitivity of HLA testing from 32.7% to 68.7%, and the accuracy of estimating CD prediction from 51.7% to 86.4% but decreased the specificity from 100% to 78.2%. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the best discrimination for the combination of both genetic tests with an area under curve reaching 0.735 (95% CI: 0.700-0.7690) in comparison with 0.664 (95% CI: 0.632-0.696) for HLA typing alone. Results show the low utility of HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8 typing for CD screening in T1D pediatric patients. Combination of the rs3130484 variant of the MSH5 gene and HLA testing increases both the sensitivity and the predictive value of the test accuracy, but still, the obtained values are not satisfactory for recommending such testing as the first-line screening for CD in T1D patients.

Celiac disease screening in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: What test should be performed?

INTRODUCTION

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at high risk for the development of celiac disease (CD) because of the common genetic characteristics of both conditions. The study objectives were to investigate the frequency of the human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) for CD in pediatric T1DM patients and to determine whether HLA testing is suitable for CD screening in that population and is cost-effective as compared to serological screening for CD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in 296 patients (148 girls; 148 boys) with T1DM aged <18 years who attended a Madrid hospital. Data on the frequency of genotypes DQ2/DQ8 in a subgroup of 92 patients and the additional cost of performing HLA typing for screening CD were collected. Only when the risk HLA haplotype (DQ2/DQ8) is negative no further serological screening for CD is required.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with T1DM (7.77%) also had CD. Alleles DQ2 or DQ8 were found in 91.3% of patients in whom the HLA haplotype was studied. Thus, only 8.7% with a negative haplotype would have benefited from HLA testing. The additional cost of HLA typing was € 105.2 for each patient with positive DQ2 or DQ8 in our population.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA typing is not a cost-effective screening method for CD in T1DM because of the frequent association of T1DM with risk genotypes for CD.

High-resolution genotyping indicates that children with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share three HLA class II loci in DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5 genes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD) share common genetic loci, mainly within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II complex. Extended genotyping of HLA class II alleles and their potential risk for developing both diseases remains to be studied. The present study compared extended HLA-class II gene polymorphisms in children with T1D, CD, and a subgroup diagnosed with both diseases (T1D w/CD). Next-generation targeted sequencing (NGTS) of HLA-DRB3, DRB4, DRB5, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, and DPB1 alleles from DNA collected from 68 T1D, 219 CD, and seven T1D w/CD patients were compared with 636 HLA-genotyped Swedish children from the general population selected as controls. In comparison to controls, the DRB4*01:03:01 allele occurred more frequently in T1D w/CD (odds ratio (OR) = 7.84; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = (2.24, 34.5), P = 0.0002) and T1D (OR = 3.86; 95% CI, (2.69, 5.55), P = 1.07 × 10^-14 ), respectively. The DRB3*01:01:02 allele occurred more frequently in CD as compared to controls (OR = 7.87; 95% CI, (6.17, 10.03), P = 4.24 × 10^-71 ), but less frequently in T1D (OR = 2.59; 95% CI, (1.76, 3.81), P = 7.29 × 10^-07 ) and T1D w/CD (OR = 0.87; 95% CI, (0.09, 3.96), P ≤ 0.999). The frequency of the DRB4*01:03:01-DRB1*04:01:01-DQA1*03:01:01-DQB1*03:02:01 (DR4-DQ8) haplotype was higher in T1D w/CD (OR = 12.88; 95% CI (4.35, 38.14) P = 3.75 × 10^-9 ), and moderately higher in T1D (OR = 2.13; 95% CI (1.18, 3.83) P = 0.01) compared with controls, but comparable in CD (OR = 1.45; 95% CI (0.94, 2.21), P = 0.08) and controls. Children with T1D and CD are associated with DRB4*01:03:01, DRB3*01:01:02, and DRB3*02:02:01 of which DRB4*01:03:01 confers the strongest risk allele for developing T1D w/CD.

Role of HLA-DQ typing and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody titers in diagnosing celiac disease without duodenal biopsy in type 1 diabetes: A study of the population-based pediatric type 1 diabetes cohort of Western Australia

AIM

The primary aim of the present study was to determine if it is cost effective to use human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing as a first-line screening test for celiac disease (CD) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), as recommended by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). The second aim was to investigate whether anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (anti-tTGA) antibodies can be used to diagnose CD without the need for a confirmatory duodenal biopsy in T1D.

METHODS

Data for all T1D patients aged <18 years, who attended the diabetes clinics in Western Australia up to June 2017, were extracted from the Western Australian Children's Diabetes Database (WACDD) and analyzed for their demographic data and CD permissive HLA alleles (DQ2, DQ8, and DQ7). For T1D patients already diagnosed with CD, the mode of diagnosis of CD, anti-tTGA titers, and CD permissive HLA alleles were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 936 eligible T1D patients identified, HLA-DQ typing was available for 551 (59%). Of these 551 patients, 504 (91.2%) were positive for celiac permissive HLA alleles. Eight percent (n = 75) of the T1D patients had a co-diagnosis of CD. High anti-tTGA titers were observed in those who were diagnosed with a positive duodenal biopsy.

CONCLUSION

HLA-DQ typing is not cost effective as a first-line screening test for CD in T1D patients because of over-representation of CD permissive HLA alleles in this group. Anti-tTGA titers may be useful in diagnosing CD in T1D without duodenal biopsy, as high levels were found to be strongly predictive of CD.

Screening for coeliac disease in 1624 mainly asymptomatic children with type 1 diabetes: is genotyping for coeliac-specific human leucocyte antigen the right approach?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency of coeliac disease (CD)-specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who are known to have a higher prevalence of CD than the general population, and to evaluate whether HLA genotyping is a suitable first-line screening method for CD.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was a multicentre observational analysis of patients with T1D aged <20 years of whom a subgroup had undergone HLA genotyping. Patient data were retrieved from the Diabetes Prospective Follow-up database, a large diabetes follow-up registry. The present analysis included data from 439 centres throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

RESULTS

In March 2017, the database contained 75 202 patients with T1D (53% male, mean age (SD) 14.6 (4.1) years, mean age at diagnosis 8.8 (4.3) years and mean diabetes duration 5.8 (4.3) years). 1624 patients had undergone coeliac-specific HLA genotyping, of whom 1344 (82.8%) were positive for HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 or both, while 17.2% had no coeliac-specific HLA-markers. 26.6% of at-risk patients had a clinical suspected diagnosis of CD, and 3.6% had biopsy-proven CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping for HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 or both is positive in the vast majority (>80%) of patients with T1D. Therefore, screening for coeliac-specific HLA genotypes as a first-line test is not a suitable method to exclude CD in T1D. Regular screening for coeliac-specific antibodies in T1D is still recommended.

Validation of a novel single-drop rapid human leukocyte antigen-DQ2/-DQ8 typing method to identify subjects susceptible to celiac disease

Background and Aim

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ2 and/or ‐DQ8 is an essential risk factor for celiac disease (CD). About 90–95% of patients with CD carry HLA‐DQ2/‐DQ8 alleles, and HLA‐DQ typing is considered an additional diagnostic test. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based HLA‐DQ typing methods are expensive, complex, and a time‐consuming process. We assessed the efficacy of a novel HLA‐DQ typing method, “Celiac Gene Screen,” for the detection of CD‐associated HLA haplotypes.

Methods

To assess the diagnostic performance of the Celiac Gene Screen test, 100 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples, already characterized by the conventional HLA‐DQ typing method, that is, PCR sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR‐SSOP), a concordance between both the methods were explored. For validity, a further 300 EDTA blood samples with unknown HLA‐DQ status were genotyped using the Celiac Gene Screen test, including 141 samples from CD, 56 first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of CD and 103 samples from controls.

Results

Of the 100 samples with known status of HLA‐DQ alleles, 79 samples were HLA‐DQ2 and/or ‐DQ8 positive, and 21 samples were HLA‐DQ2 and/or ‐DQ8 negative by conventional PCR. These 100 samples were re‐typed using the Celiac Gene screen kit; all 79 positives were typed positive, and 21 negatives were typed negative for HLA‐DQ alleles. Among 300 samples with unknown HLA‐DQ status, 118 of 141 (84%) patients with CD, 48 of 56 (86%) FDRs of CD, and 52 of 103 (50%) controls typed positive for HLA‐DQ alleles.

Conclusions

The Celiac Gene Screen HLA‐DQ typing method showed excellent concordance with the conventional HLA‐DQ typing method and could be a cost‐reducing and effective method for CD‐associated HLA screening.

HLA-DQ genetics in children with celiac disease: a meta-analysis suggesting a two-step genetic screening procedure starting with HLA-DQ β chains

BackgroundSpecific HLA-DQ genes have been recognized as necessary - but not sufficient - factors for the occurrence of Celiac Disease (CD). Through a meta-analysis, evaluating the distribution of CD-related HLA genotypes in children, we aimed at providing insights for a potential widened screening strategy.MethodsAfter a systematic search on the association between class II HLA genes and CD in children, 46 publications were obtained and assessed for eligibility. A total of 13 eligible studies were submitted to data extraction and analysis (10 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies). Case-control studies collectively enrolled 740 CD patients and 943 controls.ResultsIn the population-stratified analysis, the following alleles conferred a significantly increased risk for CD: HLA-DQB1*02 (odds ratio [OR]=10.28) and HLA-DQB1*03:02 (OR=2.24). By drafting a risk gradient to develop CD according to HLA genetic background, the highest risk is confirmed to exist for DQ2/DQ2 homozygous subjects, regardless of the ethnicities (OR=5.4). Actually, the genotype DQ2/β2 showed basically the same risk (OR=5.3). Indeed, no differences have been found in CD risk between DQ2/β2 and DQ2/DQ2, as well as between DQ8/β2 and DQ2/DQ8, and between β2/DQX and DQ2/X.ConclusionThe HLA-DQB1*02:01 allele is present in more than 90% CD children. In the perspective of a widened pediatric population screening for CD, a double-step process might be suggested: HLA-DQB1*02:01 might be investigated first and, only if this result is positive, children might be candidate for a prospective serologic screening, as a second step.

HLA genotyping as first-line screening tool for coeliac disease in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Coeliac disease (CD) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often coexist. This association warrants assessment for CD in patients with JIA. We evaluated the clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping in first-line screening for development of CD in children with JIA.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

95 patients with JIA were screened for CD using CD-specific antibodies. In case of positivity, a small intestinal biopsy was performed to confirm diagnosis. In addition, HLA genotyping was performed. 110 age-matched and sex-matched Caucasian children from the same geographical area served as controls.

RESULTS

CD was diagnosed in 4 of 95 patients with JIA (4.2%), a rate significantly higher compared with controls (p<0.02) and 14 times higher than in the general population. Twenty-six patients (27.4%) had one of the variants of the risk genotypes. All four patients diagnosed with CD had a HLA-DQ2.5 genotype: one was homozygote, the remainder heterozygote. Twenty-two patients are, judging by their HLA genotypes, at risk of developing CD and require repeated serological screening. None of the 69 patients without HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotypes had CD-specific antibodies. Screening with HLA genotyping becomes cheaper than screening without after the second determination.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of patients with JIA, lack of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotypes identified a majority not at risk of CD in whom repeated serological testing is unnecessary. Genotyping is nowadays the most efficient and cost-effective way to screen for CD risk in JIA.

The Clinical Course of Patients with Preschool Manifestation of Type 1 Diabetes Is Independent of the HLA DR-DQ Genotype

Introduction: Major histocompatibility complex class II genes are considered major genetic risk factors for autoimmune diabetes. We analysed Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DR and DQ haplotypes in a cohort with early-onset (age < 5 years), long term type 1 diabetes (T1D) and explored their influence on clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: Intermediate resolution HLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 typing was performed in 233 samples from the German Paediatric Diabetes Biobank and compared with a local control cohort of 19,544 cases. Clinical follow-up data of 195 patients (diabetes duration 14.2 ± 2.9 years) and residual C-peptide levels were compared between three HLA risk groups using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Genetic variability was low, 44.6% (104/233) of early-onset T1D patients carried the highest-risk genotype HLA-DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01/DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 (HLA-DRB1*04 denoting 04:01/02/04/05), and 231 of 233 individuals carried at least one of six risk haplotypes. Comparing clinical data between the highest (n = 83), moderate (n = 106) and low risk (n = 6) genotypes, we found no difference in age at diagnosis (mean age 2.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5 years), metabolic control, or frequency of associated autoimmune diseases between HLA risk groups (each p > 0.05). Residual C-peptide was detectable in 23.5% and C-peptide levels in the highest-risk group were comparable to levels in moderate to high risk genotypes. Conclusion: In this study, we saw no evidence for a different clinical course of early-onset T1D based on the HLA genotype within the first ten years after manifestation.

Celiac Disease and Diabetes: When to Test and Treat

Prevalence studies from around the world have established a substantial increase in the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Approximately two-thirds of patients with T1DM and CD are asymptomatic for CD at diagnosis. We aim to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art summary of the recommendations for serologic testing for CD in patients with T1DM and to clarify the debate on the need for screening and interventions. We searched Medline and Cochrane databases for studies of celiac autoimmunity and biopsy-proven CD in people with T1DM between January 1, 2000 and December 1, 2015. CD was found to be an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications, as well as for increased morbidity in patients with T1DM. Publications, however, reveal controversy regarding the benefits of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on glycemic control, bone health, and quality of life in individuals with T1DM and asymptomatic CD. A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate this issue is currently ongoing. Until resolution of the pros and cons of screening for CD, and of the benefit versus burden of GFD treatment in T1DM patients with asymptomatic CD, we recommend repeated screening for CD during childhood and adulthood, and treatment with GFD for those with biopsy-proven CD, even if asymptomatic.

A population-wide applicable HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genotyping using DNA from dried blood spots and duplex allele-specific qPCR amplification

Genotyping of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes is important for diagnosis or for screening of early risk detection of celiac disease or type 1 diabetes. Usually, venous blood DNA extraction and expensive and time consuming amplification are used, that hinder population-wide studies. We assayed a friendly HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genotyping procedure using a combination of DNA from dried blood spot (DBS) and duplex allele-specific qPCR amplification using SYBR Green. DNA was extracted using home-made buffers and compared to an extraction commercial kit. Duplex reactions by qPCR were designed using each Tm allele amplicon for reference samples (positive HLA-DQ2 or DQ8) with allele-specific primers. DBS samples from 558 children (7.99 ± 2.47 y) were collected. The DNA final yield obtained by the home-made extractive procedure was higher than from the commercial kit (1.11 ± 0.56 vs 0.23 ± 0.14 μg), while the quality was similar for both DNA samples. There was concordance in the amplification profiles for DNA samples obtained with both methods. All of four alleles from DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes were accurately identified in duplex reactions. By using DBS samples and DNA extraction home-made procedure, the costs were reduced by 60%. The whole procedure is cost-effective for HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genotyping.

Coeliac screening in a Scottish cohort of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: is DQ typing the way forward?

BACKGROUND

Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at increased risk of coeliac disease (CD). Recent guidelines indicate coeliac screening should include HLA typing for CD predisposing (DQ2/DQ8) alleles and those negative for these alleles require no further coeliac screening.

METHODS

Children (n=176) with T1DM attending clinics across two Scottish regions were screened for HLA DQ2/DQ8 as part of routine screening. Data collected included the frequency of DQ2/DQ8 genotypes and the additional cost of HLA screening.

RESULTS

Overall, DQ2/DQ8 alleles were identified in 94% of patients. The additional cost of HLA typing was £3699.52 (£21.02 per patient). All patients with known CD (11/176) were positive for DQ2/DQ8 and all were diagnosed with CD within 5 years of T1DM diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of children with T1DM have CD-predisposing HLA genotypes limiting the number of patients that can be excluded from further screening. We conclude that HLA genotyping is not currently indicated for CD screening in this population.

Screening for coeliac disease in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: myths, facts and controversy

This review aims at summarizing the present knowledge on the clinical consequences of concomitant coeliac disease (CD) in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The cause of the increased prevalence of CD in T1DM patients is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Current screening guidelines for CD in adult T1DM patients are not uniform. Based on the current evidence of effects of CD on bone mineral density, diabetic complications, quality of life, morbidity and mortality in patients with T1DM, we advise periodic screening for CD in adult T1DM patients to prevent delay in CD diagnosis and subsequent CD and/or T1DM related complications.