A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Paediatric Coeliac Disease in Catalonia Showed a Downward Trend in Prevalence Compared to the Previous Decade.

(1) Background: Previous studies showed an increased prevalence and incidence of coeliac disease (CD) over time. The objective is to ascertain whether the CD prevalence in Catalonia (a region of Southern Europe) among children aged 1-5 is as high as previously found in 2004-2009; (2) Methods: From 2013 to 2019, 3659 subjects aged 1-5 years were recruited following the previously used methodology. Factors with a potential impact on CD prevalence were investigated; (3) Results: In 2013-2019, 43/3659 subjects had positive serology, giving a standardised seroprevalence of 12.55/1000 (95% CI: 8.92; 17.40), compared to 23.62 (13.21; 39.40) in 2004-2007. The biopsy-proven crude prevalence was 7.92/1000 (95% CI: 5.50; 11.30), and the crude prevalence based on ESPGHAN criteria was 8.74/1000 (95% CI: 6.20-12.30). In contrast to 2004-2009, we did not find differences in the seroprevalence rates between 1 and 2 years vs. 3 and 4 years of age (age percentage of change -7.0 (-29.5; 22.8) vs. -45.3 (-67.5; -8.0)). Rotavirus vaccination was the most remarkable potential protective factor (48% vs. 9% in 2004-2009; p < 0.0001), but not the time of gluten introduction. (4) Conclusion: The present study did not confirm a worldwide CD prevalence increase and emphasizes the need to perform prevalence studies over time using the same methodology in the same geographical areas.

State of the art in therapeutic drug monitoring.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a multidisciplinary activity. Because laboratory reports are part of the patient's chart, some clinical information is required. In order to guarantee quality and safety, an increasing number of TDM departments have implemented a quality management system. The aim of the present article is to review the three phases of TDM: the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases. In the pre-analytical phase, it is necessary to acquire a valid specimen collected at the specific time window. Analytical methods should be validated, assessing possible interfering substances. The objective of the post-analytical phase is the final report, which should include correct interpretation, as well as possible advice. Appropriate pharmacokinetic interpretation avoids unnecessary costs and leads to clinical benefits.

Predisposing HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes of coeliac disease and associated enteropathy in microscopic colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of both genetic and serological markers of coeliac disease in patients with microscopic colitis, and whether there was associated enteropathy. METHODS: HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8, serum immunoglobulin A-antiendomysial and immunoglobulin A-anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were investigated in 59 patients with microscopic colitis. Seventy healthy subjects acted as the control group. Endoscopic biopsies from the distal duodenum were obtained in DQ2-positive or DQ8-positive patients. Patients with histological changes compatible with gluten-sensitive enteropathy were started on a gluten-free diet. RESULTS: Seventeen of 70 (24.3%) healthy controls were DQ2-positive. Twelve of 25 (48%) patients with lymphocytic colitis (P = 0.027 versus controls), and 11 of 34 (32.3%) with collagenous colitis (P = 0.38 versus controls) were DQ2-positive. There were no differences in the frequency of DQ8-positivity. The coeliac serology was positive in one patient. Duodenal biopsies were performed in 23 DQ2-positive and/or DQ8-positive patients. None had villous atrophy (Marsh III lesion) (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0-6.1). A Marsh type I lesion was found in four patients. Three of these patients were put on a gluten-free diet with disappearance of diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is an association of lymphocytic colitis with HLA-DQ2 genes, which might be relevant in the pathogenesis of this disease. The association of microscopic colitis with Marsh type III coeliac disease seems to be rare, making it unnecessary to routinely screen for coeliac disease in microscopic colitis patients.

Desoxipipradrol. Fármacos antiguos, problemas nuevos / Desoxypipradrol. Old drugs, new problems

A través de Internet recientemente se han comercializado algunas sustancias estimulantes estructuralmente parecidas a neurotransmisores derivadas de medicamentos ya retirados, que potencialmente pueden causar cuadros clínicos de diversa gravedad. Su efecto estimulante y el hecho de que aparecen antes de prohibirse su consumo explican la denominación genérica de legal highs. La exposición a estas sustancias se manifiesta como cuadros parecidos a los del consumo de productos como fenciclidina, anfetaminas o cocaína, ya que muy probablemente compartan mecanismos de acción sobre la recaptación de dopamina en los núcleos cerebrales implicados en el comportamiento de gratificación. La escasez de información médica contrastada, y las dificultades para disponer de material de calibración constituyen un reto diagnóstico. El desoxipipradol, sintetizado hace más de 6 décadas para el tratamiento del trastorno hipercinético, fue relegado por el metilfenidato, un compuesto análogo. En 2009 reapareció como droga recreativa responsable de algunos cuadros clínicos de intoxicación (AU)

Stimulant substances previously used for therapeutic purposes, and are currently banned, have recently been marketed through the Internet. These drugs, structurally similar to neurotransmitters, can potentially cause severe clinical conditions. Exposure to these 'legal highs' results in symptoms similar to those of well-known substances such as phencyclidine, amphetamines or cocaine, probably because they share mechanisms of action related to dopamine reuptake in brain nuclei involved in the regulation of reward behavior. The limitations of medical evidence, as well as difficulties in obtaining calibration material, constitute an analytical challenge. Desoxypipradol was synthesized more than six decades ago for the treatment of hyperkinetic disorder, but was surpassed by methylphenidate, a similar compound with a better pharmacokinetic performance. In 2009 desoxypipradol appeared as a recreational drug involved in several cases of clinical intoxication (AU)

Impact of mass screening for gluten-sensitive enteropathy in working population.

AIM: To assess: (1) frequency and clinical relevance of gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE) detected by serology in a mass screening program; (2) sensitivity of antitransglutaminase (tTGA) and antiendomysium antibodies (EmA); and (3) adherence to gluten-free diet (GFD) and follow-up. METHODS: One thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight subjects recruited from an occupational health department underwent analysis for tTGA and EmA and, if positive, duodenal biopsy, DQ2/DQ8 genotyping, clinical feature recording, blood tests, and densitometry were performed. Since > 98% of individuals had tTGA < 2 U/mL, this value was established as the cut-off limit of normality and was considered positive when confirmed twice in the same sample. Adherence to a GFD and follow up were registered. RESULTS: Twenty-six (1.39%) subjects had positive tTGA and/or EmA, and 21 underwent biopsy: six Marsh III (one IIIa, four IIIb, one IIIc), nine Marsh I and six Marsh 0 (frequency of GSE 1:125). The sensitivity of EmA for GSE was 46.6% (11.1% for Marsh I, 100% for Marsh III), while for tTGA, it was 93.3% (88.8% for Marsh I, 100% for Marsh III). All 15 patients with abnormal histology had clinical features related to GSE. Marsh I and III subjects had more abdominal pain than Marsh 0 (P = 0.029), and a similar trend was observed for distension and diarrhea. No differences in the percentage of osteopenia were found between Marsh I and III (P = 0.608). Adherence to follow-up was 69.2%. Of 15 GSE patients, 66.7% followed a GFD with 80% responding to it. CONCLUSION: GSE in the general population is frequent and clinically relevant, irrespective of histological severity. tTGA is the marker of choice. Mass screening programs are useful in identifying patients who can benefit from GFD and follow-up.

Systematic evaluation of the causes of chronic watery diarrhea with functional characteristics.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND Causes of chronic watery diarrhea are multiple. There is not definite scientific evidence about AND AIMS: which are the recommended explorations to be performed in the diagnostic workup of patients with functional diarrhea. The aim was to assess prospectively the presence of gluten-sensitive enteropathy, bile acid malabsorption, and sugar malabsorption in consecutive patients with chronic watery diarrhea of obscure origin fulfilling Rome II criteria of functional disease. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with chronic watery diarrhea, defined as more than 3 loose or liquid bowel movements a day for at least 4 wk and a stool weight >200 g/day were included. The following tests were performed: (a) HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotyping, and if positive, endoscopic biopsies from distal duodenum were obtained, and intestinal damage assessed; (b) SeHCAT (Se-homotaurocholate) abdominal retention test; (c) small bowel follow-through; and (d) hydrogen breath test (lactose, fructose + sorbitol). Gluten- or sugar-free diet, or cholestyramine was administered according to results. Functional disease was diagnosed if all tests performed were normal or if either there was no response to specific therapy or diarrhea relapsed during a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Bile acid malabsorption was considered to be the cause of diarrhea in 28 (45.2%) patients, sugar malabsorption in 10 (16.1%), gluten-sensitive enteropathy in 10 (16.1%), and both bile acid and sugar malabsorption in 2 patients. Twelve (19.4%) patients remained without a specific diagnosis and were considered as functional bowel disease. Diarrhea stopped in the 50 patients after specific treatment, decreasing the daily stool number from 5.4 +/- 0.3 to 1.5 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.0005), without relapse after the 12-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of functional disease in patients with chronic watery diarrhea should be performed with caution since in most cases there is an organic cause that justifies diarrhea.

Celiac disease and lymphoma risk: a multicentric case--control study in Spain.

Celiac disease is a highly prevalent condition frequently misdiagnosed because of heterogeneity of the clinical symptoms. It is well recognized that enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma is an uncommon lymphoma type linked to celiac disease; it has also been suggested that other types of lymphomas may be associated with celiac disease. Our aim was to estimate the risk of all lymphoma associated with celiac disease. Serological markers and personal interviews were obtained from 298 consecutive lymphoma cases and 251 matched controls recruited in four Spanish hospitals. Celiac disease was detected in two cases (0.67%; n = 298) and in three controls (1.2%; n = 251). Treated celiac disease was observed in one patient with lymphoma and in two control subjects. In our series, there was no evidence that celiac disease was a risk factor for lymphoma (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.10-3.79). Serological screening for CD is not recommended in people with lymphoma.