Review article: coeliac disease in later life must not be missed

BACKGROUND

The presenting symptoms of coeliac disease are often subtle and the diagnosis is frequently delayed or overlooked. Therefore, especially elderly patients may be denied the benefits conferred by gluten free diet which can be dramatically life-changing.

AIM

To review the occurrence, clinical features, diagnosis and management in coeliac patients detected later in life.

METHODS

To review manuscripts concerned with coeliac disease in the elderly and to derive subgroups of elderly people from publications on the disorder.

RESULTS

Approximately a quarter of all diagnoses are now made at the age of 60 years or more and a fifth at 65 years or over. About 4% are diagnosed at 80 years or above. Around 60% remain undetected, since their symptoms are often subtle: tiredness, indigestion, reduced appetite. Good compliance with gluten free diet, resolution of symptoms and improvement in laboratory indices can be achieved in over 90% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Coeliac disease not uncommonly presents for the first time in older patients and is an important diagnosis to make.

Frondoside A potentiates the effects of conventional therapeutic agents in acute leukemia

Acute leukemia is the major cause of mortality in hematological malignancies. Despite improvement of survival with current chemotherapies, patients die from the disease or side-effects of treatment. Thus, new therapeutic agents are needed. Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside originally isolated from the sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa that has potent antitumor effects in various cancers. The current study investigated the effects of frondoside A in acute leukemia cell lines alone and in combination with drugs used for this malignancy. This study is the first comparing the efficacy of frondoside A to available conventional drugs. The acute leukemia cell lines used were CCRF-CEM, HL-60 and THP-1. Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of vincristine sulphate, asparaginase and prednisolone alone and in combination with frondoside A. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC₅₀) for each compound was determined for the cell lines. CCRF-CEM cells were very sensitive to frondoside A treatment while HL-60 and THP1 were less sensitive. Frondoside A markedly enhanced the anticancer effects of all of the conventional drugs. Synergistic effects were seen with most of the combinations. Frondoside A may be valuable in the treatment of acute leukemia, particularly when used in combination with current therapeutic drugs.

Intra- and inter-observer agreement in MRI assessment of rotator cuff healing using the Sugaya classification 10years after surgery

BACKGROUND

The long-term outcomes of rotator cuff repair are unclear. Recurrent tears are common, although their reported frequency varies depending on the type and interpretation challenges of the imaging method used. The primary objective of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the MRI assessment of rotator cuff repair using the Sugaya classification 10years after surgery. The secondary objective was to determine whether poor reproducibility, if found, could be improved by using a simplified yet clinically relevant classification.

HYPOTHESIS

Our hypothesis was that reproducibility was limited but could be improved by simplifying the classification.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In a retrospective study, we assessed intra- and inter-observer agreement in interpreting 49 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed 10years after rotator cuff repair. These 49 scans were taken at random among 609 cases that underwent re-evaluation, with imaging, for the 2015 SoFCOT symposium on 10-year and 20-year clinical and anatomical outcomes of rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears. Each of three observers read each of the 49 scans on two separate occasions. At each reading, they assessed the supra-spinatus tendon according to the Sugaya classification in five types.

RESULTS

Intra-observer agreement for the Sugaya type was substantial (κ=0.64) but inter-observer agreement was only fair (κ=0.39). Agreement improved when the five Sugaya types were collapsed into two categories (1-2-3 and 4-5) (intra-observer κ=0.74 and inter-observer κ=0.68).

CONCLUSION

Using the Sugaya classification to assess post-operative rotator cuff healing was associated with substantial intra-observer and fair inter-observer agreement. A simpler classification into two categories improved agreement while remaining clinically relevant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, prospective randomised low-power study.

Osteoarthritis after rotator cuff repair: A 10-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Joint surgery is often complicated by gradual bone and cartilage deterioration that eventually leads to secondary osteoarthritis. The primary objective of this study was to identify preoperative risk factors for gleno-humeral osteoarthritis after rotator cuff repair. The secondary objectives were to assess whether the risk of gleno-humeral osteoarthritis was influenced by the operative technique, occurrence of postoperative complications, cuff healing, and muscle degeneration and to determine whether gleno-humeral osteoarthritis affected the clinical outcome.

HYPOTHESIS

The development of gleno-humeral osteoarthritis affects the postoperative clinical outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective multicentre study of patients who underwent rotator cuff repair in 2003 and were re-evaluated at least 10 years later was conducted under the aegis of the Société française de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatique (SOFCOT). Osteoarthritis severity was graded according to the Samilson-Prieto classification.

RESULTS

Four hundred and one patients were included. At last follow-up, at least 10 years after surgery, the radiological Samilson-Prieto grades were distributed as follows: 0, n=181 (45%); 1, n=142 (n=35%); 2, n=57 (14%); 3, n=14 (4%); and 4, n=7 (2%). The mean Constant score was significantly higher in the patients without than with osteoarthritis at last follow-up (79/100 vs. 73/100, P<0.001). MRI assessment of cuff healing showed that the proportion of patients with osteoarthritis was significantly higher in the group with unhealed or re-torn cuffs (Sugaya type 4 or 5) than in the group with healed cuffs (Sugaya type 1, 2, or 3) (46% vs. 25%, P=0.012).

DISCUSSION

Our study showed no associations linking the risk of gleno-humeral osteoarthritis to the patient activity profile, history of shoulder injury, or preoperative symptom duration. In contrast, statistically significant associations were identified between gleno-humeral osteoarthritis and age, male gender, initial tear severity, and the pain and mobility components of the preoperative Constant score. Decreased invasiveness of the operative technique probably diminishes the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. An unhealed or re-torn cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective non-randomised study.

Posterosuperior rotator cuff repair by an independent double-row technique. Technical note and radiological and clinical results

The present study reports an original independent double-row technique for arthroscopic posterosuperior rotator cuff repair. Clinical and ultrasound results were assessed at 6-month follow-up in a single-center series of 78 patients with a mean age of 57years. Constant score improved from 55 to 73 (P<0.05). Seven patients (9%) had re-tear: 6 tendon avulsions from the bone and 1 tear at the myotendinous junction. This repair technique provided a high rate of tendon healing on the bone, with a lower rate of complications than with traditional double-row repair techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

The Nice knot as an improvement on current knot options: A mechanical analysis

PURPOSE

There is currently a wide range of suture knots used in rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to compare a new type of self-locking sliding knot called the Nice knot to the self-locking and sliding Nicky's knot.

METHODS

Nice knots and Nicky's knots were tied and subjected to mechanical testing including a pure traction stress and a series of dynamic stresses. Both knots were tied using standard braided suture and reinforced braided suture. The responses to these stresses were measured in the amount of elongation of the knot, maximum effort needed for failure, stiffness of construct and dynamic stiffness.

RESULTS

With both knots the standard suture had a lower amount of elongation during the dynamic tests than the reinforced braided suture. The reinforced braided suture showed superior results during maximal effort in the pure traction tests. An increased failure rate occurred due to elongation when a dynamic stress was applied to the reinforced suture in both knot types. During dynamic testing the Nice knot showed a decrease in the amount of elongation (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Nice knot provides a sliding locking knot option which can decrease the risk of elongation during dynamic stress.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Basic Science Study, Biomechanical Study.

Evaluating postoperative rotator cuff healing: Prospective comparison of MRI and ultrasound

BACKGROUND

The objective of this prospective comparative single centre study was to compare postoperative rotator cuff healing rates as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus ultrasonography (US).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between October 2012 and February 2013, 61 patients underwent arthroscopic repair of postero-superior rotator cuff tears. Each patient underwent MRI and US 6 months later. The findings were assessed independently by two observers. We compared intra-observer and inter-observer levels of agreement regarding healing rates assessed by MRI and US.

RESULTS

Intra-observer agreement regarding the MRI interpretation was 95% (κ coefficient, 0.83) for one observer and 98% (κ coefficient, 0.94) for the other. Values of κ for inter-observer agreement ranged across readings from 0.76 to 0.90. When MRI was taken as the reference, US had 80% sensitivity and 98% specificity.

DISCUSSION

MRI and US provide similar assessments of postoperative rotator cuff healing, although US is less sensitive. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreements are very good.

Restorative Proctocolectomy for Ulcerative Colitis in 1985-2009

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Restorative proctocolectomy is the most common operation in patients with ulcerative colitis. The aim was to evaluate long-term changes in our operative treatment and early and late complications related to restorative proctocolectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 352 (149 females) patients over 18 years of age with ulcerative colitis who underwent restorative proctocolectomy in 1985-2009 median follow-up time of 5 years.

RESULTS

The indication for surgery was active chronic colitis in 168 (47.7%), acute colitis in 159 (45.2%), and cancer or dysplasia in 25 (7.1%) patients. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was performed using hand-sewn anastomosis with mucosectomy in 283 patients and stapled anastomosis in 69. A shift from hand-sewn to stapler ileal pouch-anal anastomosis took place in 2005. Covering ileostomy was carried out in 133 (37.8%) patients. There were 82 (23.3%) J-pouch-related complications. The operative mortality was 0.3%. There were significantly fewer leakages and early re-operations when covering ileostomy was used than when it was omitted: 6.0% versus 16.4% (p = 0.004), 4.5% versus 11.9% (p = 0.02), respectively. There were more strictures in hand-sewn than in stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomoses (17.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). Pouchitis occurred at least once in 134 (38.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis technique used in restorative proctocolectomy had changed over the past years from hand-sewn to stapled anastomosis. Covering ileostomy seemed to protect against major complications. Pouchitis was the most common late complication.

[Association of mifepristone and misoprostol for the medical management of early pregnancy failure]

OBJECTIVES

A retrospective monocentric clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the association of mifepristone and misoprostol for the management of early pregnancy failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-two women with early pregnancy failure or anembryonic pregnancy were first treated with 600 mg of mifepristone and 48 hours later with 400 μg of misoprostol by oral administration. Successful treatment, defined as an empty uterus, was searched at day 3, with the association of misoprostol-mifepristone alone or with complementary medical treatment, prostaglandins or ocytocine.

RESULTS

The overall treatment success was 82% (75 of 92 women) with 69 successful cases at day 3 (75%). Six of 92 women (7%) needed a second-line medical treatment. For the last 17 women (18%), the failure of the associated tested medical treatment lead to a secondary surgery. No prognostic factor for the successful medical treatment has been highlighted.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A high efficacy for the management of early pregnancy failure is demonstrated for the mifepristone and misoprostol medical treatment. The specific contribution of mifepristone, although proven in the cases of termination of evolutive pregnancies, should be further evaluated in the future for the specific management of early pregnancy failure. Nevertheless, no prognostic factor for the success of the propose treatment can be determined, as the amount of patients enrolled in this study was not sufficient.

Health-related quality of life improves during one year of medical and surgical treatment in a European population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease--an ECCO-EpiCom study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is impaired in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The aim was prospectively to assess and validate the pattern of HRQoL in an unselected, population-based inception cohort of IBD patients from Eastern and Western Europe.

METHODS

The EpiCom inception cohort consists of 1560 IBD patients from 31 European centres covering a background population of approximately 10.1 million. Patients answered the disease specific Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and generic Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire at diagnosis and after one year of follow-up.

RESULTS

In total, 1079 patients were included in this study. Crohn's disease (CD) patients mean SIBDQ scores improved from 45.3 to 55.3 in Eastern Europe and from 44.9 to 53.6 in Western Europe. SIBDQ scores for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients improved from 44.9 to 57.4 and from 48.8 to 55.7, respectively. UC patients needing surgery or biologicals had lower SIBDQ scores before and after compared to the rest, while biological therapy improved SIBDQ scores in CD. CD and UC patients in both regions improved all SF-12 scores. Only Eastern European UC patients achieved SF-12 summary scores equal to or above the normal population.

CONCLUSION

Medical and surgical treatment improved HRQoL during the first year of disease. The majority of IBD patients in both Eastern and Western Europe reported a positive perception of disease-specific but not generic HRQoL. Biological therapy improved HRQoL in CD patients, while UC patients in need of surgery or biological therapy experienced lower perceptions of HRQoL than the rest.

Health care and patients' education in a European inflammatory bowel disease inception cohort: an ECCO-EpiCom study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The EpiCom study and inception cohort was initiated in 2010 in 31 centers from 14 Western and 8 Eastern European countries, covering a 10.1million person background population. Our aim was to investigate whether there is a difference between Eastern and Western Europe in health care and education of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A quality of care (QoC) questionnaire was developed in the EpiCom group consisting of 16 questions covering 5 items: time interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis, information, education, empathy and access to health care providers.

RESULTS

Of 1,515 patients, 947 (217 east/730 west) answered the QoC questionnaire. Only 23% of all patients had knowledge about IBD before diagnosis. In Eastern Europe, significantly more patients searched out information about IBD themselves (77% vs. 68%, p<0.05), the main source was the Internet (92% vs. 88% p=0.23). In Western Europe, significantly more patients were educated by nurses (19% vs. 1%, p<0.05), while in Eastern Europe, gastroenterologists were easier to contact (80% vs. 68%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Health care differed significantly between Eastern and Western Europe in all items, but satisfaction rates were high in both geographic regions. Because of the low awareness and the rising incidence of IBD, general information should be the focus of patient organizations and medical societies. In Western Europe IBD nurses play a very important role in reducing the burden of patient management.

Environmental factors in a population-based inception cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients in Europe--an ECCO-EpiCom study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Eastern Europe possibly due to changes in environmental factors towards a more "westernised" standard of living. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in exposure to environmental factors prior to diagnosis in Eastern and Western European IBD patients.

METHODS

The EpiCom cohort is a population-based, prospective inception cohort of 1560 unselected IBD patients from 31 European countries covering a background population of 10.1 million. At the time of diagnosis patients were asked to complete an 87-item questionnaire concerning environmental factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1182 patients (76%) answered the questionnaire, 444 (38%) had Crohn's disease (CD), 627 (53%) ulcerative colitis (UC), and 111 (9%) IBD unclassified. No geographic differences regarding smoking status, caffeine intake, use of oral contraceptives, or number of first-degree relatives with IBD were found. Sugar intake was higher in CD and UC patients from Eastern Europe than in Western Europe while fibre intake was lower (p<0.01). Daily consumption of fast food as well as appendectomy before the age of 20 was more frequent in Eastern European than in Western European UC patients (p<0.01). Eastern European CD and UC patients had received more vaccinations and experienced fewer childhood infections than Western European patients (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this European population-based inception cohort of unselected IBD patients, Eastern and Western European patients differed in environmental factors prior to diagnosis. Eastern European patients exhibited higher occurrences of suspected risk factors for IBD included in the Western lifestyle.

East-West gradient in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in Europe: the ECCO-EpiCom inception cohort

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Eastern Europe. The reasons for these changes remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an East-West gradient in the incidence of IBD in Europe exists.

DESIGN

A prospective, uniformly diagnosed, population based inception cohort of IBD patients in 31 centres from 14 Western and eight Eastern European countries covering a total background population of approximately 10.1 million people was created. One-third of the centres had previous experience with inception cohorts. Patients were entered into a low cost, web based epidemiological database, making participation possible regardless of socioeconomic status and prior experience.

RESULTS

1515 patients aged 15 years or older were included, of whom 535 (35%) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD), 813 (54%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 167 (11%) with IBD unclassified (IBDU). The overall incidence rate ratios in all Western European centres were 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.4) for CD and 2.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.6) for UC compared with Eastern European centres. The median crude annual incidence rates per 100,000 in 2010 for CD were 6.5 (range 0-10.7) in Western European centres and 3.1 (range 0.4-11.5) in Eastern European centres, for UC 10.8 (range 2.9-31.5) and 4.1 (range 2.4-10.3), respectively, and for IBDU 1.9 (range 0-39.4) and 0 (range 0-1.2), respectively. In Western Europe, 92% of CD, 78% of UC and 74% of IBDU patients had a colonoscopy performed as the diagnostic procedure compared with 90%, 100% and 96%, respectively, in Eastern Europe. 8% of CD and 1% of UC patients in both regions underwent surgery within the first 3 months of the onset of disease. 7% of CD patients and 3% of UC patients from Western Europe received biological treatment as rescue therapy. Of all European CD patients, 20% received only 5-aminosalicylates as induction therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

An East-West gradient in IBD incidence exists in Europe. Among this inception cohort--including indolent and aggressive cases--international guidelines for diagnosis and initial treatment are not being followed uniformly by physicians.

East-West gradient in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in Europe: the ECCO-EpiCom inception cohort

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Eastern Europe. The reasons for these changes remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an East-West gradient in the incidence of IBD in Europe exists.

DESIGN

A prospective, uniformly diagnosed, population based inception cohort of IBD patients in 31 centres from 14 Western and eight Eastern European countries covering a total background population of approximately 10.1 million people was created. One-third of the centres had previous experience with inception cohorts. Patients were entered into a low cost, web based epidemiological database, making participation possible regardless of socioeconomic status and prior experience.

RESULTS

1515 patients aged 15 years or older were included, of whom 535 (35%) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD), 813 (54%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 167 (11%) with IBD unclassified (IBDU). The overall incidence rate ratios in all Western European centres were 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.4) for CD and 2.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.6) for UC compared with Eastern European centres. The median crude annual incidence rates per 100,000 in 2010 for CD were 6.5 (range 0-10.7) in Western European centres and 3.1 (range 0.4-11.5) in Eastern European centres, for UC 10.8 (range 2.9-31.5) and 4.1 (range 2.4-10.3), respectively, and for IBDU 1.9 (range 0-39.4) and 0 (range 0-1.2), respectively. In Western Europe, 92% of CD, 78% of UC and 74% of IBDU patients had a colonoscopy performed as the diagnostic procedure compared with 90%, 100% and 96%, respectively, in Eastern Europe. 8% of CD and 1% of UC patients in both regions underwent surgery within the first 3 months of the onset of disease. 7% of CD patients and 3% of UC patients from Western Europe received biological treatment as rescue therapy. Of all European CD patients, 20% received only 5-aminosalicylates as induction therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

An East-West gradient in IBD incidence exists in Europe. Among this inception cohort--including indolent and aggressive cases--international guidelines for diagnosis and initial treatment are not being followed uniformly by physicians.

Injury to the axillary nerve after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: an anatomical study

BACKGROUND

Subclinical neurological lesions after reverse shoulder arthroplasty are frequent, mainly those involving the axillary nerve. One of the major reported risk factors is postoperative lengthening of the arm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the axillary nerve and prosthetic components after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The study hypothesis was that inferior overhang of the glenosphere relative to glenoid could put this nerve at risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eleven fresh frozen shoulder specimens were dissected after having undergone reverse shoulder arthroplasty using a classic deltopectoral approach.

RESULTS

The mean distance from the inferior border of the glenoid to the inferior edge of the glenosphere was 6.0±4.3mm (range, 1.0 to 16.2mm). The axillary nerve was never closer than 15mm to the glenosphere. The main anterior branch of the axillary nerve was in close contact with the posterior metaphysis or humeral prosthetic implant. The mean distance between the nerve and the humeral implants was 5.2±2.1mm (range, 2.0 to 8.1mm).

CONCLUSIONS

The proximity of the axillary nerve to the posterior metaphysis or humeral implants may be a risk factor for axillary nerve injury after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study quantifies the proximity of the axillary nerve to the implant after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Basic science study, cadaver study.

Refractory coeliac disease in a country with a high prevalence of clinically-diagnosed coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is thought to be a rare disorder, but the accurate prevalence is unknown.

AIM

We aimed to identify the prevalence of and the risk factors for developing RCD in a Finnish population where the clinical detection rate of coeliac disease is high.

METHODS

The study involved 11 hospital districts in Finland where the number of treated RCD patients (n = 44), clinically diagnosed coeliac disease patients (n = 12 243) and adult inhabitants (n = 1.7 million) was known. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis of coeliac disease between the RCD patients and patients with uncomplicated disease were compared.

RESULTS

The prevalence of RCD was 0.31% among diagnosed coeliac disease patients and 0.002% in the general population. Of the enrolled 44 RCD patients, 68% had type I and 23% type II; in 9% the type was undetermined. Comparing 886 patients with uncomplicated coeliac disease with these 44 patients that developed RCD later in life, the latter were significantly older (median 56 vs 44 years, P < 0.001), more often males (41% vs. 24%, P = 0.012) and seronegative (30% vs. 5%, P < 0.001) at the diagnosis of coeliac disease. Patients with evolving RCD had more severe symptoms at the diagnosis of coeliac disease, including weight loss in 36% (vs. 16%, P = 0.001) and diarrhoea in 54% (vs. 38%, P = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Refractory coeliac disease is very rare in the general population. Patients of male gender, older age, severe symptoms or seronegativity at the diagnosis of coeliac disease are at risk of future refractory coeliac disease and should be followed up carefully.

Frondoside A enhances the antiproliferative effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis. While gemcitabine is the mainstay of therapy and improves quality of life, it has little impact on survival. More effective treatments are desperately needed for this disease. Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from the Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa. Frondoside A potently inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether frondoside A could enhance the anti-cancer effects of gemcitabine. Effects of frondoside A and gemcitabine alone and in combination on proliferation were investigated in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and S2013. To investigate possible synergistic effects, combinations of low concentrations of the two drugs were used for a 72 h treatment period in vitro. Growth inhibition was significantly greater with the drug combinations than their additive effects. Combinations of frondoside A and gemcitabine were tested in vivo using the athymic mouse model. Xenografts of AsPC-1 and S2013 cells were allowed to form tumours prior to treatment with the drugs alone or in combination for 30 days. Tumours grew rapidly in placebo-treated animals. Tumour growth was significantly reduced in all treatment groups. At the lowest dose tested, gemcitabine (4 mg/kg/dose), combined with frondoside A (100 μg/kg/day) was significantly more effective than with either drug alone. To conclude: The present data suggest that combinations of frondoside A and gemcitabine may provide clinical benefit for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff: prospective study of tendon healing after 70 years of age in 145 patients

INTRODUCTION

The level of activity of patients older than 70 years is tending to increase, as are their expectations in terms of joint function recuperation. It has not been proven that rotator cuff repair healing is satisfactory in the elderly. The main hypothesis of this study was: repair of supraspinous lesions in patients older than 70 years is reliable in terms of both clinical results and healing. The secondary hypothesis was: tendon healing is significantly correlated with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores as well as with age, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Multicenter prospective study on 145 patients older than 70 years, with 135 patients reviewed at 1 year (93%). The mean age was 73.9 years. Full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus extended at most to the upper third of the infraspinatus and retraction limited to Patte stages 1 and 2 were included. Clinical assessment was carried out in accordance with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores. Healing was evaluated with ultrasound.

RESULTS

A significant improvement was noted in the Constant (44/76)+31.5 (P<0.0001), ASES (35/90)+54.4 (P<0.0001), and SST (3.5/10)+6.6 (P>0.0001) scores at 1 year of follow-up. The healing rate was 89% with 15 re-tears, nine of which were stage 1 and six stage 2. The clinical result was not correlated with patient age (Constant, P=0.24; ASES, P=0.38; SST, P=0.83) nor with the retraction stage (Constant, P=0.71; ASES, P=0.35; SST, P=0.69) or the stage of fatty infiltration (P>0.7). Healing was correlated with the quality of the clinical result (Constant, P=0.02; ASES, P=0.03) and age (P=0.01) but was not correlated with retraction or the fatty infiltration stage (P>0.3).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic repair significantly improves the clinical results, even in patients older than 70 years. The clinical results are not correlated with age (but deterioration of the result was not noted after 75 years) or frontal retraction (but the study only included retractions limited to stages 1 and 2). The healing rate is satisfactory, but this study is limited to small ruptures of the supraspinatus, and the postoperative ultrasound analysis probably inferior to CT imaging with contrast agent injection, often used as the reference. Healing proves to be correlated with the quality of the clinical result and patient age.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with pre-operative impairment of the deltoid muscle

The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) continue to be expanded. Associated impairment of the deltoid muscle has been considered a contraindication to its use, as function of the RSA depends on the deltoid and impairment of the deltoid may increase the risk of dislocation. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the functional outcome and risk of dislocation following the use of an RSA in patients with impaired deltoid function. Between 1999 and 2010, 49 patients (49 shoulders) with impairment of the deltoid underwent RSA and were reviewed at a mean of 38 months (12 to 142) post-operatively. There were nine post-operative complications (18%), including two dislocations. The mean forward elevation improved from 50° (sd 38; 0° to 150°) pre-operatively to 121° (sd 40; 0° to 170°) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean Constant score improved from 24 (sd 12; 2 to 51) to 58 (sd 17; 16 to 83) (p < 0.001). The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 71 (sd 17; 10 to 95) and the rate of patient satisfaction was 98% (48 of 49) at final follow-up. These results suggest that pre-operative deltoid impairment, in certain circumstances, is not an absolute contraindication to RSA. This form of treatment can yield reliable improvement in function without excessive risk of post-operative dislocation.

Reduced mortality in dermatitis herpetiformis: a population-based study of 476 patients

BACKGROUND

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an extra-intestinal manifestation of coeliac disease and most patients adhere to a life-long gluten free diet (GFD). Increased mortality rates have been reported in coeliac disease but knowledge in DH is scanty.

OBJECTIVES

To survey the mortality rate and causes of death in a large cohort of patients with DH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with DH (n = 476 consecutive patients) diagnosed from 1970 onwards at the Tampere University Hospital were analysed for causes of death during 1971-2010. A questionnaire survey on key aspects of health behaviour was performed in patients with DH and comparisons were made with the Finnish population.

RESULTS

The total number of deaths during 9079 person years followed up was 77 whereas 110 were expected. The standardized mortality rate (SMR) for all causes of death was significantly reduced, being 0·70 (95% CI 0·55-0·87), and similar in both sexes. The SMR was equal in the patients with DH with (0·73) and without (0·77) small bowel villous atrophy. The SMR was significantly reduced (0·38) for deaths due to cerebrovascular diseases. The SMR due to lymphoproliferative malignancies was significantly increased (6·86) in the first 5 years of follow-up but not thereafter. The questionnaire survey documented that 97·7% of the patients with DH adhered to a GFD. The patients reported significantly less hypercholesterolaemia and there were fewer current and past smokers compared with the age- and sex-matched control population.

CONCLUSIONS

The present long-term follow-up study of DH documented significantly reduced all-cause and cerebrovascular disease mortality. Strict adherence to a GFD, less smoking and hypercholesterolaemia may play a role in the observed health benefit.

Subscapularis minor--an analogue of the Teres minor?

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the subscapularis (SSC) in forward flexion. We hypothesized that the inferior part of the SSC has a main role in the ability to preserve forward flexion in cases of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Active forward flexion of the shoulder was prospectively evaluated in patients presenting with Grade 3 or higher SSC fatty degeneration, with superior and inferior SSC tears being evaluated separately.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Pseudoparalytic shoulders were found in 80% of cases when the inferior part of the SSC was torn, but never when only the superior part was torn.

DISCUSSION

The inferior SSC or "Subscapularis minor" can be considered as an analogue to the teres minor in the posterior aspect of the shoulder. It must be preserved in cases of tears and fatty degeneration of the superior part, and repaired when possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Gliadin antibodies in older population and neurological and psychiatric disorders

OBJECTIVES

A variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders have recently been linked to coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity. We here explored whether persistently positive gliadin antibodies (AGA) and coeliac-type HLA increase the risk of gluten sensitivity-related neurological and psychiatric manifestations. The study was carried out in an older population who had consumed gluten for decades but who had no previous coeliac disease diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The original study population comprised 4272 randomly selected older individuals, of whom 2089 had AGA and transglutaminase 2 antibodies (antiTG2) measured twice within a 3-year interval. Forty-nine persistently AGA-positive but antiTG2-negative subjects with coeliac-type HLA and 52 randomly selected persistently AGA- and antiTG2-negative age- and sex-matched controls were clinically examined for neurological disorders. The Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) questionnaire, the SF-36 health survey questionnaire and the Depression Scale (DEPS) were employed to evaluate psychological well-being. The medical files of all the study subjects were analysed for previous illnesses.

RESULTS

Persistently AGA-positive but antiTG2-negative older subjects carrying coeliac disease-type HLA did not evince significantly more neurological symptoms or diseases than AGA-negative control subjects (P = 0.682, P = 0.233). There were no statistically significant differences between AGA-positive and AGA-negative groups in psychological well-being and quality of life when measured by PGWB (P = 0.426), SF-36 questionnaires (P = 0.120) and DEPS (P = 0.683).

CONCLUSIONS

At population level, persistent AGA positivity did not indicate gluten sensitivity-related neurological and psychiatric disorders.

[Primitive malignant rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system in an adolescent. A case study]

Primitive malignant rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system are rare and have a poor prognosis. Adult and adolescent cases are exceptional. We report the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented an intratumoral hemorrhage in a rhabdoid tumor. She was treated with surgery, followed by intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy. Despite intensive treatment, she died 5 months after diagnosis. We discuss the different therapeutic options for this patient and review the literature on this kind of tumor.

Diagnostic methods beyond conventional histology in coeliac disease diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease diagnostic criteria currently require the detection of small bowel mucosal villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia.

AIMS

To compare conventional histological examination to the determination of small bowel mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and to serum and intestinal coeliac autoantibodies in untreated coeliac disease with villous atrophy and in mild enteropathy coeliac disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Study comprised consecutive adult patients with coeliac disease suspicion; villous height-crypt depth ratio (Vh/CrD), the densities of CD3+, gammadelta+ and villous tip IELs and serum and intestinal transglutaminase 2 (TG2)-targeted autoantibodies were studied. Coeliac disease was diagnosed in 223 and excluded in 608 patients. Further, 66 patients were considered to suffer from mild enteropathy coeliac disease. Control group consisted of 138 patients.

RESULTS

Vh/CrD determination detected 77% of untreated coeliac disease patients. Serum coeliac autoantibodies had 84% sensitivity for untreated coeliac disease with villous atrophy and 70% sensitivity for mild enteropathy coeliac disease; the specificity was 100%. Intestinal TG2-targeted autoantibodies had sensitivities of 100% and 93%, and 100% specificity, respectively. gammadelta+ and villous tip IELs proved more reliable than CD3+ IELs.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional histological examination as the golden standard in coeliac disease diagnosis is questionable. Serum and especially intestinal TG2-targeted autoantibodies seem promising in future coeliac disease diagnostics.

Clinical trial: gluten microchallenge with wheat-based starch hydrolysates in coeliac disease patients - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate safety

BACKGROUND

Wheat-based starch hydrolysates such as glucose syrups, dextrose and maltodextrins are found in more than 50% of European processed food. These products contain low amounts of residual gluten and it has been questioned whether they are safe for coeliac disease patients.

AIM

To investigate whether coeliac disease patients can safely consume wheat-based starch hydrolysate products.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective follow-up study involved 90 coeliac disease patients in remission randomized to consume glucose syrups, maltodextrins or placebo for 24 weeks. Small bowel mucosal morphology and inflammation, symptoms, coeliac serology and malabsorption laboratory data were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Daily ingestion of wheat-based starch hydrolysates, glucose syrups and maltodextrins, had no deleterious effect on small-bowel mucosal villous architecture or inflammation in coeliac disease patients when compared to the placebo group. Neither were there any significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms, serology or malabsorption parameters after 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Wheat-based starch hydrolysates, glucose syrups and maltodextrins did not have harmful effect on coeliac disease patients. Coeliac patients can thus safely continue to consume these products.

Undetected coeliac disease in the elderly: a biopsy-proven population-based study

BACKGROUND

Up to 1% of the population suffer from coeliac disease. Data on the prevalence in elderly people is scant. We hypothesized that they would over time have developed obvious symptoms. Clinically silent or undiagnosed disease would thus be relatively uncommon.

AIMS

To evaluate the prevalence of coeliac disease in elderly people.

METHODS

The study comprised 2815 individuals aged 52-74 years. Clinical cases of coeliac disease were recorded. Sera from all subjects were screened by IgA class tissue transglutaminase antibodies, and seropositive underwent small bowel biopsy.

RESULTS

Coeliac disease was detected in altogether 60 individuals, in 25 (0.89%) on clinical grounds, and screening found in 35 (1.24%) new biopsy-proven cases. Thus, a total prevalence of 2.13% (95% confidence intervals 1.60-2.67%) was reached. Of the screen-detected cases, 15 had symptoms, albeit mostly mild. Two out of the 60 had small bowel T-cell lymphoma and two had gastric cancer. The total frequency of biopsy-proven coeliac disease and seropositive cases without histological confirmation was 2.45% (1.88-3.02%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of coeliac disease in elderly people was higher than what has been reported in the population in general. Active case finding by serologic screening is encouraged, since undetected cases may be prone to increased morbidity and mortality.

Performance of a new rapid whole blood coeliac test in adult patients with low prevalence of endomysial antibodies

BACKGROUND

In coeliac disease endomysial and transglutaminase autoantibodies are directed against the human autoantigen, transglutaminase. The conventional coeliac antibody tests are performed from serum samples in centralized laboratories.

AIMS

To evaluate a rapid and easy immunoglobulin A-class whole blood point-of-care test and its commercial application, the Biocard test, in coeliac autoantibody detection.

METHODS

In the whole blood point-of-care test transglutaminase is liberated from the red blood cells by haemolysis. Transglutaminase antibodies, if present, complex with the liberated antigen, and are visualized. Altogether 51 biopsy-proven untreated coeliac adult patients, 48 of the same patients after treatment, and 36 controls were tested. The point-of-care test results were compared with serum endomysial and transglutaminase antibody and Biocard test results and histology.

RESULTS

The whole blood point-of-care test was as sensitive (82%) as the serum endomysium test (80%) in detecting untreated coeliac disease while the serum transglutaminase antibody test was superior (88%). The tests had 100% specificity. A positive point-of-care test result seroconverted or the test reaction weakened in 90% of the treated coeliac patients. Biocard test-positive were 22 of the 24 tested untreated coeliac patients. Biocard test-negative were 15 of 19 controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The whole blood rapid tests are as reliable as the conventional serological tests in detecting untreated coeliac disease and in coeliac disease diet monitoring.

Increasing prevalence of coeliac disease over time

BACKGROUND

The number of coeliac disease diagnoses has increased in the recent past and according to screening studies, the total prevalence of the disorder is around 1%.

AIM

To establish whether the increased number of coeliac disease cases reflects a true rise in disease frequency.

METHODS

The total prevalence of coeliac disease was determined in two population-based samples representing the Finnish adult population in 1978-80 and 2000-01 and comprising 8000 and 8028 individuals, respectively. Both clinically-diagnosed coeliac disease patients and previously unrecognized cases identified by serum endomysial antibodies were taken into account.

RESULTS

Only two (clinical prevalence of 0.03%) patients had been diagnosed on clinical grounds in 1978-80, in contrast to 32 (0.52%) in 2000-01. The prevalence of earlier unrecognized cases increased statistically significantly from 1.03% to 1.47% during the same period. This yields a total prevalence of coeliac disease of 1.05% in 1978-80 and 1.99% in 2000-01.

CONCLUSIONS

The total prevalence of coeliac disease seems to have doubled in Finland during the last two decades, and the increase cannot be attributed to the better detection rate. The environmental factors responsible for the increasing prevalence of the disorder are issues for further studies.

Persistent small bowel mucosal villous atrophy without symptoms in coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Refractory sprue with malabsorption carries a risk of lymphoma.

AIM

To examine whether a good clinical but poor histological response during a strict gluten-free diet predicts a poor outcome.

METHODS

The study involved all coeliac patients who showed no histological recovery within 2 years on a strict gluten-free diet. Small intestinal biopsy and bone mineral density were investigated in 2001 and clinical features were followed up until 2005. The results were compared to those in 18 coeliac patients with a good histological recovery.

RESULTS

Thirteen coeliac patients had persistent small intestinal villous atrophy despite maintaining gluten-free diet. All had demonstrated a good clinical response. Osteoporosis was found in 58% and 22% of the non-responders and responders, respectively (P = 0.04). In 2005, two of the non-responders had developed symptomatic refractory sprue, one died of lymphoma and one of carcinoid tumour, and one gastric adenocarcinoma was operated. None of the 18 controls had developed refractory sprue or malignancy. The frequency of histological non-responsive disease was 1.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent villous atrophy in adult coeliac disease, even in the absence of symptoms, carries a risk of subsequent severe complications. The follow-up biopsy is important in detecting these individuals.

[Treatment of chronic anterior shoulder instability using a coracoid bone block (Latarjet procedure): 74 cases]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Results of the Latarjet procedure for chronic anterior shoulder instability using a coracoid block are known in terms of recurrence, but not in terms of apprehension. We studied a prospective consecutive series of shoulders treated with the Latarjet method in order to determine whether patients forget their shoulder or whether they are still bothered, particularly during sports activities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The series included 74 patients with chronic anterior shoulder instability treated with a coracoid block according to the Latarjet procedure. Sixty-nine were available for review and 66 had complete radiographic explorations (93.2%). The Duplay score was used to classify sports activities. Mean age was 26.5 years; 90% of the patients practiced sports. The surgical procedure was performed by the same operator for 78% of patients. The Duplay score and the Constant score were determined and standard x-rays (four views) were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was then applied to the subpopulation presenting persistent apprehension.

RESULTS

Follow-up was at least 24 months, average follow-up 50 months. Four patients presented secondary dislocation and two subluxation; 85% of patients were satisfied, 6% were hesitant and 9% were dissatisfied. The Duplay score was: excellent (18.8%), good (49.9%), fair (20.2%) and poor (10.1%). External elbow rotation (RE1) was limited by 17.69 degrees compared with the other side. Eighty-seven percent of patients resumed their sports activity five months postoperatively on average; 34% presented persistent apprehension. This subpopulation was examined separately. Multivariate analysis demonstrated two significantly independent factors of persistent apprehension: recovery of RE1 at 30 days postop, and total recovery of R1 at last follow-up. The radiographies demonstrated degenerative lesions in 10.6% of patients.

DISCUSSION

The satisfaction rate of 85% and the 9% failure rate are similar to earlier reports. Our series was however exceptional in terms of an unusually high rate of persistent apprehension. Statistical analysis did not demonstrate a significant link between the presence of hyperlaxity and persistent apprehension. Nevertheless, in patients with hyperlaxity associated with chronic anterior shoulder instability, we associate Latarjet coracoid block with Neer capsuloplasty.

Persistent small bowel mucosal villous atrophy without symptoms in coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Refractory sprue with malabsorption carries a risk of lymphoma.

AIM

To examine whether a good clinical but poor histological response during a strict gluten-free diet predicts a poor outcome.

METHODS

The study involved all coeliac patients who showed no histological recovery within 2 years on a strict gluten-free diet. Small intestinal biopsy and bone mineral density were investigated in 2001 and clinical features were followed up until 2005. The results were compared to those in 18 coeliac patients with a good histological recovery.

RESULTS

Thirteen coeliac patients had persistent small intestinal villous atrophy despite maintaining gluten-free diet. All had demonstrated a good clinical response. Osteoporosis was found in 58% and 22% of the non-responders and responders, respectively (P = 0.04). In 2005, two of the non-responders had developed symptomatic refractory sprue, one died of lymphoma and one of carcinoid tumour, and one gastric adenocarcinoma was operated. None of the 18 controls had developed refractory sprue or malignancy. The frequency of histological non-responsive disease was 1.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent villous atrophy in adult coeliac disease, even in the absence of symptoms, carries a risk of subsequent severe complications. The follow-up biopsy is important in detecting these individuals.

Endomysial antibody-negative coeliac disease: clinical characteristics and intestinal autoantibody deposits

BACKGROUND

Some patients with untreated coeliac disease are negative for serum endomysial autoantibodies (EmA) targeted against transglutaminase 2 (TG2).

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical and histological features of EmA-negative coeliac disease, and to examine whether EmA-equivalent autoantibodies against TG2 can be seen in the small-bowel mucosa when absent in serum.

PATIENTS

Serum EmA was studied in 177 biopsy-proved specimens from adult patients with coeliac disease. 20 patients with intestinal diseases served as non-coeliac controls; three had autoimmune enteropathy with villous atrophy.

METHODS

Clinical manifestations, small-bowel mucosal morphology, intraepithelial inflammation and TG2-specific extracellular immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits were investigated in both serum EmA-negative and EmA-positive patients.

RESULTS

22 patients with IgA-competent coeliac disease were negative for serum EmA. Three of these had small-bowel lymphoma. Patients with EmA-negative coeliac disease were older, had abdominal symptoms more often, and the density of gammadelta+ intraepithelial lymphocytes in their intestinal mucosa was lower than in EmA-positive patients; otherwise the histology was similar. All serum EmA-negative patients with coeliac disease, but none of the disease controls, had gluten-dependent mucosal IgA deposits alongside TG2 in the small-bowel mucosal specimens. In vivo deposited IgA was shown to be TG2-specific by its ability to bind recombinant TG2.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative serum EmA might be associated with advanced coeliac disease. TG2-targeted autoantibodies were deposited in the small-bowel mucosa even when absent in serum. This finding can be used in the diagnosis of seronegative coeliac disease when the histology is equivocal. It may also be helpful in the differential diagnosis between autoimmune enteropathy and coeliac disease.

Immunoglobulin A autoantibodies against transglutaminase 2 in the small intestinal mucosa predict forthcoming coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Reliable markers of early developing coeliac diseases are needed. Coeliac autoantibodies in the serum or Marsh I inflammation may be indicators of subsequent coeliac disease.

AIM

To investigate whether determination of intestinal transglutaminase 2-targeted autoantibody deposits would detect early developing coeliac disease better than previous methods.

METHODS

The study investigated patients previously excluded for coeliac disease: 25 had positive serum coeliac autoantibodies (endomysial), 25 antibody-negative had Marsh I, and 25 antibody-negative had Marsh 0 finding. Seven (median) years after baseline investigation, new coeliac cases were recorded, and small bowel biopsy was offered to the rest of the patients. Serum and intestinal coeliac autoantibodies and intraepithelial lymphocytes were assessed as indicators of developing coeliac disease.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had developed coeliac disease: 13 in the autoantibody-positive group, three in the Marsh I group and one in the Marsh 0 group. At baseline, intestinal coeliac autoantibody deposits had a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 93% in detecting subsequent coeliac disease, CD3+ 59% and 57%, gammadelta+ 76% and 60%, and villous tip intraepithelial lymphocytes 88% and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Endomysial antibodies with normal histology indicates early developing coeliac disease. Transglutaminase 2-targeted intestinal autoantibody deposits proved the best predictor of subsequent coeliac disease.

Self transglutaminase-based rapid coeliac disease antibody detection by a lateral flow method

BACKGROUND

The conventional coeliac disease antibody tests require patient's sera, and are laborious and time-consuming.

AIM

To evaluate a newly developed rapid whole blood test in coeliac disease antibody detection, and its suitability for office use.

METHODS

Endogenous tissue transglutaminase found in red blood cells in a whole blood fingertip or venous sample is liberated upon haemolysis and complexes with tissue transglutaminase antibodies, if present. The complexes, captured by a lateral flow system, are visualized within 5 min. Stored samples from 121 untreated, 106 treated coeliac disease patients and 107 controls were evaluated and compared with serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests and histology; 150 patients were prospectively tested on site in the doctor's office.

RESULTS

The rapid test showed sensitivity (96.7%) comparable with the serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests from stored samples; specificity was slightly lower (93.5%). When tested on site the results were concordant in 96.7% of cases compared with endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody results. The test recognized the disappearance of tissue transglutaminase antibodies on a gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSIONS

The self tissue transglutaminase-based rapid test can be easily carried out from a fingertip blood sample on site in the physician's office for both coeliac disease case finding and dietary monitoring purposes.

Malignancies and mortality in patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: 30-year population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To assess the long-term risks of malignant diseases and mortality in patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis in a centre, where the prevalence of these diseases is high. The risks have probably been overestimated, as patients with subtle forms have earlier remained undetected.

PATIENTS

The study comprised 17,245 person-years of follow-up in 1147 patients.

METHODS

The observed numbers of malignancies and causes of deaths were assessed, and compared to those expected, and standardised incidence ratio and standardised mortality ratio given.

RESULTS

The occurrence of all malignant conditions was equal to that in the population both in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: standardised incidence ratios of 1.2 (95% confidence intervals 0.9-1.5) and 1.0 (0.6-1.5), respectively. Five patients with coeliac disease and seven with dermatitis herpetiformis had developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma; standardised incidence ratios of 3.2 (1.0-7.5) and 6.0 (2.4-12.4), respectively. Four patients with coeliac disease and one with dermatitis herpetiformis had enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, associated with inadequate dietary compliance. Mortality was increased (standardised mortality ratio 1.26; 1.00-1.55) in coeliac disease, but decreased in dermatitis herpetiformis (standardised mortality ratio 0.52; 0.36-0.72).

CONCLUSION

The overall prognosis in our patients was good. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma emerged in patients with undiagnosed or poorly treated coeliac disease. The mortality rate in dermatitis herpetiformis was even lower than in the population. Our data support the early diagnosis and dietary treatment of these conditions.

Is coeliac disease screening in risk groups justified? A fourteen-year follow-up with special focus on compliance and quality of life

BACKGROUND

The benefits of serologic screening for coeliac disease in asymptomatic individuals are debatable.

AIM

To investigate dietary compliance, quality of life and bone mineral density after long-term treatment in coeliac disease patients found by screening in risk groups.

METHODS

The study comprised 53 consecutive screen-detected coeliac patients diagnosed 14 years (median) ago. Dietary compliance was assessed by interview, 4-day food record and serology. Quality of life was evaluated by the Psychological General Well-Being and SF-36 questionnaires, gastrointestinal symptoms by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Comparisons were made to 44 symptom-detected-treated coeliac patients, 110 non-coeliac subjects and the general population.

RESULTS

A total of 96% of screen-detected and 93% of symptom-detected coeliac patients adhered to a strict or fairly strict gluten-free diet. In screen-detected patients, quality of life and gastrointestinal symptoms were similar to those in symptom-detected patients or non-coeliac controls and bone mineral density was similar to that in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term dietary compliance in screen-detected patients was good. Quality of life and bone mineral density were comparable with those in non-coeliac subjects and the general population. Active screening in coeliac disease risk groups seems to be reasonable rather than harmful.

Oral findings in coeliac disease and Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Both coeliac disease (CD) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have an autoimmune background and increased risk of oral mucosal and dental abnormalities. Individuals suffering concomitantly from CD and SS could even be at a higher risk.

STUDY DESIGN

Oral mucosal and dental abnormalities were examined in 20 patients with CD + SS (mean age 61 years) and compared with age- and sex-matched controls with either CD or SS.

RESULTS

Oral mucosal changes were most common in SS (80%), followed by CD + SS (65%) and CD (40%). Coeliac-type dental enamel defects were found in 89% in CD + SS and in 88% in CD compared with only 25% in SS (P < 0.001). The median number of teeth was six in the CD + SS, 24 in the CD and 22 in the SS group. The DMF index was higher (P < 0.005) in the CD + SS than in the CD group. CD + SS was characterized by higher salivary flow rate (P < 0.001) and lower inflammatory focus score in the salivary glands (P < 0.01) than SS.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-occurrence of CD and SS should be recognized because of its effects on dental and oral mucosal health. A lower salivary gland inflammatory focus score and higher salivary flow rate in CD + SS than in SS suggests that a gluten-free diet treatment may alleviate autoimmune inflammation.

Lymphoma in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and their first-degree relatives

BACKGROUND

The risk for lymphoma is increased in both dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and in coeliac disease. The lymphoma most associated with coeliac disease is enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES

To study the occurrence and type of lymphoma in a large series of patients with DH and their first-degree relatives.

METHODS

The occurrence of lymphoma was studied in 1104 patients consecutively diagnosed with DH in two university hospitals during 1969-2001. A questionnaire was sent to 341 patients to examine the occurrence of lymphoma in their 1825 first-degree relatives. To analyse whether the DH patients with lymphoma had adhered to a gluten-free diet similarly to the patients without lymphoma, two age- and sex-matched patients with DH served as controls for each index case. Data on the gluten-free diet were collected from prospectively completed dietary forms and also from medical records.

RESULTS

Eleven (1%) patients contracted lymphoma 2-31 years after the diagnosis of DH. Eight had B-cell-type lymphoma, two enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma and one remained unclassified due to missing material. Three (0.2%) of the first-degree relatives contracted lymphoma, all B-cell type. The 11 DH patients with lymphoma had adhered to a gluten-free diet significantly less strictly than the DH controls without lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study documents that patients with DH can have both B- and T-cell lymphoma. The DH patients with lymphoma had not adhered as strictly to the gluten-free diet as the control patients without lymphoma. The occurrence of lymphoma in the first-degree relatives was lower than in the patients with DH.

The safe threshold for gluten contamination in gluten-free products. Can trace amounts be accepted in the treatment of coeliac disease?

BACKGROUND

Gluten contamination in gluten-free products cannot totally be avoided. The safe threshold for gluten remains obscure.

AIM

The purpose was to estimate a reasonable limit for residual gluten, based on current literature and measurement of gluten in gluten-free products on the market.

METHODS

The gluten content of 59 naturally gluten-free and 24 wheat starch-based gluten-free products were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The daily intake of flours was calculated in 76 adults on gluten-free diet, and the intake compared with mucosal histology.

RESULTS

A number of both naturally gluten-free (13 of 59) and wheat starch-based gluten-free (11 of 24) products contained gluten from 20 to 200 ppm (=mg/kg). The median daily flour consumption was 80 g (range: 10-300). Within these limits, the long-term mucosal recovery was good.

CONCLUSIONS

The threshold for gluten-contamination can safely be set at 100 ppm. Provided that the daily flour intake is even 300 g, a level of 100 ppm results in 30 mg of gluten intake. This has been shown to be safe, when correlated to histology, in clinical and challenge studies. The level can be achieved by the industry, and does not make the diet too cumbersome.