Molecular Biomarkers for Celiac Disease: Past, Present and Future.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a complex immune-mediated disorder that is triggered by dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. CeD is characterized by inflammation and villous atrophy of the small intestine, which can lead to gastrointestinal complaints, malnutrition, and malignancies. Currently, diagnosis of CeD relies on serology (antibodies against transglutaminase and endomysium) and small-intestinal biopsies. Since small-intestinal biopsies require invasive upper-endoscopy, and serology cannot predict CeD in an early stage or be used for monitoring disease after initiation of a gluten-free diet, the search for non-invasive biomarkers is ongoing. Here, we summarize current and up-and-coming non-invasive biomarkers that may be able to predict, diagnose, and monitor the progression of CeD. We further discuss how current and emerging techniques, such as (single-cell) transcriptomics and genomics, can be used to uncover the pathophysiology of CeD and identify non-invasive biomarkers.

[Dysphagia in children]. / Slikklachten op de kinderleeftijd.

In this case report we discuss two children with dysphagia. Both presented with difficulties in swallowing and oesophageal impaction of solid food. The first case involves a 16-year-old boy who suffered from dysphagia for many years. After a long diagnostic journey, during which a psychogenic cause was suspected, he was diagnosed with oesophageal achalasia. After a balloon dilatation of the lower oesophageal sphincter his complaints persisted and the treatment procedure was repeated. The second case involves a 15-year-old girl, who presented with a food impaction in the distal oesophagus. After biopsies, she was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. After short-term acid suppression and treatment with budesonide her symptoms were in remission. The lesson is that there are many causes of dysphagia, including anatomical, functional and psychogenic disorders. In children with dysphagia it is important to rule out somatic disorders before consideration of psychogenic disorders, and to be aware of 'red flag' symptoms such as weight loss.