Past, Present, and Future of Noninvasive Tests to Assess Gluten Exposure, Celiac Disease Activity, and End-Organ Damage.

Although many biomarkers have been proposed, and several are in widespread clinical use, there is no single readout or combination of readouts that correlates tightly with gluten exposure, disease activity, or end-organ damage in treated patients with celiac disease. Challenges to developing and evaluating better biomarkers include significant interindividual variability-related to immune amplification of gluten exposure and how effects of immune activation are manifest. Furthermore, the current "gold standard" for assessment of end-organ damage, small intestinal biopsy, is itself highly imperfect, such that a marker that is a better reflection of the "ground truth" may indeed appear to perform poorly. The goal of this review was to analyze past and present efforts to establish robust noninvasive tools for monitoring treated patients with celiac disease and to highlight emerging tools that may prove to be useful in clinical practice.

Standardizing Randomized Controlled Trials in Celiac Disease: An International Multidisciplinary Appropriateness Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is a need to develop safe and effective pharmacologic options for the treatment of celiac disease (CeD); however, consensus on the appropriate design and configuration of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this population is lacking. METHODS: A 2-round modified Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method study was conducted. Eighteen gastroenterologists (adult and pediatric) and gastrointestinal pathologists voted on statements pertaining to the configuration of CeD RCTs, inclusion and exclusion criteria, gluten challenge, and trial outcomes. Two RCT designs were considered, representing the following distinct clinical scenarios for which pharmacotherapy may be used: trials incorporating a gluten challenge to simulate exposure; and trials evaluating reversal of histologic changes, despite attempted adherence to a gluten-free diet. Each statement was rated as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate, using a 9-point Likert scale. RESULTS: For trials evaluating prevention of relapse after gluten challenge, participants adherent to a gluten-free diet for 12 months or more with normal or near-normal-sized villi should be enrolled. Gluten challenge should be FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) free, and efficacy evaluated using histology with a secondary patient-reported outcome measure. For trials evaluating reversal of villus atrophy, the panel voted it appropriate to enroll participants with a baseline villus height to crypt depth ratio ≤2 and measure efficacy using a primary histologic end point. Guidance for measuring histologic, endoscopic, and patient-reported outcomes in adult and pediatric patients with CeD are provided, along with recommendations regarding the merits and limitations of different end points. CONCLUSIONS: We developed standardized recommendations for clinical trial design, eligibility criteria, outcome measures, gluten challenge, and disease evaluations for RCTs in patients with CeD.

Comparing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Findings in Children with Autism, Developmental Delay, or Typical Development.

OBJECTIVE: To compare endoscopic and histologic upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]) findings in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to age- and gender-matched controls with developmental delay (DD) or with typical development (TD). METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of children undergoing EGD, identifying those diagnosed with ASD, and matching on age and gender to children with DD or TD in ratio of 1:1:2. Rates of EGD findings were compared between the 3 groups using χ² or Fisher exact test. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify predictors of abnormal histology. RESULTS: A total of 2104 patients were included (526 ASD; 526 DD; 1052 TD). Children with ASD had higher rates of abnormal esophageal histology (ASD 38.4%; DD 33.4%; TD 30.4%, P = .008), particularly esophagitis. In multivariable modeling, ASD diagnosis was an independent predictor of abnormal esophageal histology (OR [95% CI] 1.38 [1.09, 1.76]) compared with TD. Stomach findings did not differ among the groups. In the duodenum, histologic abnormalities were observed with lower frequency in ASD (ASD 17.0%; DD 20.1%; TD 24.2%, P = .005). In multivariable analysis, ASD diagnosis was not a significant predictor (OR 0.78 [0.56, 1.09]) of abnormal duodenal histology. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ASD have higher rates of histologic esophagitis compared with age- and gender-matched DD and TD controls. ASD was a significant independent predictor of abnormal esophageal, but not, duodenal, histology. These results underscore the importance of EGD in children with ASD.

Anti-infliximab antibodies and low infliximab levels correlate with drug discontinuation in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Infliximab (IFX) use is limited by loss of response often due to the development of anti-IFX antibodies and low drug levels. METHODS: We performed a single center prospective observational cohort study of pediatric and young adult subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on IFX with over 3 years of follow-up. Infliximab levels (IFXL) and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) were measured throughout the study. Subjects were followed until IFX was discontinued. RESULTS: We enrolled 219 subjects with IBD (184: Crohn's disease; 33: Ulcerative colitis; and 2 Indeterminant colitis; 84 female, median age 14.4 years, 37% on concomitant immunomodulator). Nine hundred and nineteen serum samples (mean 4.2 ± 2.1 per patient) were tested for IFXL and ATI. During the study, 31 (14%) subjects discontinued IFX. Sixty patients had ATI. Twenty-two of those 60 patients with ATI discontinued IFX; 14 of 31 patients who discontinued IFX had detectable ATI at study onset. The combination of ATI and IFXL < 5 µg/mL at study entry was associated with the highest risk of drug discontinuation (hazard ratios [HR] ATI 4.27 [p < 0.001] and IFXL < 5 µg/mL [HR]: 3.2 p = 0.001). Patients with IFXL 5-10 µg/mL had the lowest rate of discontinuation (6%). IFX dose escalation eliminated ATI in 21 of 60 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: ATI is a strong predictor of needing to stop IFX use and inversely correlates with IFXL. Detection of ATI during therapeutic drug monitoring postinduction but also periodically during maintenance therapy identifies individuals who may benefit from IFX dose escalation and/or the addition of an immunomodulator, as these interventions may reduce or eliminate ATI.

A Composite Morphometric Duodenal Biopsy Mucosal Scale for Celiac Disease Encompassing Both Morphology and Inflammation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Villus height to crypt depth ratio (Vh:Cd) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are key measures of histology of the small intestine in celiac disease. Although the field of celiac disease has advanced, there remains no broadly accepted measure of mucosal injury. We assessed whether a composite Vh:Cd and IEL scale (VCIEL) can improve accuracy and statistical precision for assessing histology, compared with individual measures. METHODS: The formulation of the VCIEL composite histologic scale was based on combining the Vh:Cd and IEL measurements for individual patients with equal weighting, by converting each scale to a fraction of their standard deviation and summing the results. The VCIEL formula was applied to several clinical trials and the results for Vh:Cd and IEL were compared with those for VCIEL with regards to clinical significance (effect size) and statistical significance. RESULTS: For the ALV003-1021 trial, we observed an effect size and P value (analysis of covariance) of 1.37 and 0.038 for ΔVh:Cd, 1.17 and 0.005 for ΔIEL, and 1.86 and 0.004 for ΔVCIEL. For the similar gluten-challenge IMGX003-NCCIH-1721 trial, the corresponding results were 0.76 and 0.057 for ΔVh:Cd, 0.98 and 0.018 for ΔIEL, and 1.14 and 0.007 for ΔVCIEL. Similar improvements with the use of VCIEL over individual Vh:Cd and IEL measures were observed for other studies, including a nontherapeutic gluten challenge study. CONCLUSIONS: The composite VCIEL scale combining Vh:Cd and IEL values seems to improve accuracy and statistical precision compared with either component alone.

A Clinician's Guide to Gluten Challenge.

Gluten challenge is an essential clinical tool that involves reintroducing or increasing the amount of gluten in the diet to facilitate diagnostic testing in celiac disease (CD). Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the applications of gluten timing, dosing, and duration in children. This review aims to summarize the current evidence, discuss practical considerations, and proposes a clinical algorithm to help guide testing in pediatric patients. Childhood development, social circumstances, and long-term health concerns must be considered when identifying a candidate for gluten challenge. Based on previous studies, the authors suggest baseline serology followed by a minimum of 3-6 grams of gluten per day for over 12 weeks to optimize diagnostic accuracy for evaluation of CD. A formal provider check-in at 4-6 weeks is essential so the provider and family can adjust dosing or duration as needed. Increasing the dose of gluten further may improve diagnostic yield if tolerated, although in select cases a lower dose and shorter course (6-12 weeks) may be sufficient. There is consensus that mild elevations in celiac serology (<10 times the upper limit of normal) or symptoms, while supportive are not diagnostic for CD. Current North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines recommend histologic findings of intraepithelial lymphocytosis, crypt hyperplasia, and villous atrophy as the accurate and most appropriate endpoint for gluten challenge.

The Spectrum of Duodenal Histologic Findings in Patients With Trisomy 21: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with Trisomy 21 (T21) commonly have gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases that prompt evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Our objective is to characterize duodenal histological abnormalities in these patients when undergoing EGD. A secondary aim is to explore associations of histologic findings with different therapies. METHODS: Patients 30 years old or younger with T21 who underwent EGD from 2000 to 2020 at 6 hospitals were included in this retrospective cohort study. Duodenal biopsies were categorized based on reported histopathology findings as normal or abnormal. Abnormal pathology reports were reviewed and categorized into villous atrophy (VA) and duodenitis without VA. The VA group was further categorized based on the presence or absence of celiac disease (CD). RESULTS: We identified 836 patients with T21 who underwent EGD, 419 (50.1%) of whom had duodenal histologic abnormalities. At the time of the first (index) abnormal duodenal biopsy, 290 of 419 had VA and of those, 172 of 290 met CD diagnostic criteria, while 118 of 290 did not meet CD criteria (nonspecific VA). Among the patients with an abnormal biopsy, acid suppression at the time of the index biopsy was less common in patients with VA-CD compared to patients without VA or patients with nonspecific VA (12.2% vs 45.7% vs 44.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the T21 patients in this cohort had abnormal duodenal biopsies including a subgroup with nonspecific VA. In this cohort, acid suppression use was more prevalent in patients with abnormalities other than CD.

Evaluating Responses to Gluten Challenge: A Randomized, Double-Blind, 2-Dose Gluten Challenge Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gluten challenge is used to diagnose celiac disease (CeD) and for clinical research. Sustained gluten exposure reliably induces histologic changes but is burdensome. We investigated the relative abilities of multiple biomarkers to assess disease activity induced by 2 gluten doses, and aimed to identify biomarkers to supplement or replace histology. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, 2-dose gluten-challenge trial conducted in 2 US centers (Boston, MA), 14 adults with biopsy-proven CeD were randomized to 3 g or 10 g gluten/d for 14 days. The study was powered to detect changes in villous height to crypt depth, and stopped at planned interim analysis on reaching this end point. Additional end points included gluten-specific cluster of differentiation (CD)4 T-cell analysis with HLA-DQ2-gluten tetramers and enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot, gut-homing CD8 T cells, interleukin-2, symptoms, video capsule endoscopy, intraepithelial leukocytes, and tissue multiplex immunofluorescence. RESULTS: All assessments showed changes with gluten challenge. However, time to maximal change, change magnitude, and gluten dose-response relationship varied. Villous height to crypt depth, video capsule endoscopy enteropathy score, enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot, gut-homing CD8 T cells, intraepithelial leukocyte counts, and HLA-DQ2-restricted gluten-specific CD4 T cells showed significant changes from baseline at 10 g gluten only; symptoms were significant at 3 g. Symptoms and plasma interleukin-2 levels increased significantly or near significantly at both doses. Interleukin-2 appeared to be the earliest, most sensitive marker of acute gluten exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Modern biomarkers are sensitive and responsive to gluten exposure, potentially allowing less invasive, lower-dose, shorter-duration gluten ingestion. This work provides a preliminary framework for rational design of gluten challenge for CeD research. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03409796.

Survey-Based Study on Food Insecurity During COVID-19 for Households With Children on a Prescribed Gluten-Free Diet.

Gluten-free (GF) foods are generally costlier than their gluten-containing counterparts. We conducted an anonymous electronic survey to assess food insecurity in households with a child on a prescribed GF diet and how this relates to GF diet adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of households who screened positive using the Hunger Vital Sign was similar to national rates (19%-24%). Approximately 5% of families who screened food secure reported GF food insecurity. Parent-reported intentional gluten consumption due to limited GF food availability in the household increased during the pandemic (7.5%). Food insecurity should be considered in the management of celiac disease.

Patient Perspectives on the Long-term Management of Celiac Disease.

GOAL: The aim of this study was to survey adults with celiac disease (CD) on the utility of specific aspects of follow-up and on information needs. BACKGROUND: Currently, the treatment for CD is strict gluten avoidance. Although this places the onus on the patient for disease management, patient perspectives on CD care have not been formally assessed. STUDY: The Manitoba Celiac Disease Cohort prospectively enrolled adults newly diagnosed with CD using serology and histology. At the 24-month study visits, participants rated the utility of aspects of CD care on a 5-point scale anchored by "not at all useful" and "very useful" and the helpfulness of information on CD-related topics on a 6-point scale anchored by "not at all helpful" and "very helpful." RESULTS: The online survey was completed by 149 of 211 cohort members [median age 40 (interquartile range 30 to 56) y; 68% female]. Adherence to a gluten-free diet was good. Most participants (87%) responded that they should be seen regularly for medical follow-up of CD, preferably every 6 (26%) or 12 months (48%). Blood tests were the most highly rated care component (rated scored ≥4/5 by 78% of respondents), followed by the opportunity to ask about vitamins and supplements (50%), symptom review (47%), and information on CD research (44%). Diet review was not considered helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after diagnosis, most individuals with CD find regular specialist follow-up helpful, particularly for biochemical assessment of disease activity and its complications. Furthermore, information on research and long-term complications of CD is also valued.

Celiac Disease: Fallacies and Facts.

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of celiac disease has progressed greatly over the past 25 years; however, some fallacies about the clinical characteristics and management persist. Worldwide epidemiologic data are now available showing that celiac disease is ubiquitous. An elevated body mass index is common at the time of the diagnosis. The gluten-free diet (GFD) is an imperfect treatment for celiac disease; not all individuals show a response. This diet is widely used by people without celiac disease, and symptomatic improvement on a GFD is not sufficient for diagnosis. Finally, the GFD is burdensome, difficult to achieve, and thus has an incomplete efficacy, opening exciting opportunities for novel, nondietary treatments.

Enteric-Release Budesonide May Be Useful in the Management of Non-Responsive Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-responsive celiac disease (NRCD) has many aetiologies, including gluten exposure. Budesonide may be used for refractory celiac disease (RCD) and celiac crisis. AIMS: We reviewed the effectiveness of budesonide to induce clinical and histologic response in NRCD with villous atrophy (VA). METHODS: Case series of adult cases with NRCD and VA prescribed budesonide at two celiac centers. Clinical variables and mucosal recovery (i.e., normal villous architecture within 1 year of treatment) were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two cases [77% female, median age 45.0 (IQR 28.3-60.0) years] were included. Most common symptoms were diarrhea (64%) and abdominal pain (62%). Budesonide was initiated at 9 mg (83%) for a median duration of 16.0 weeks (IQR 6.8-25.0 weeks). In total, 57% exhibited a clinical response, positively associated with diarrhea (adjusted OR 6.08 95% CI 1.04-35.47) and negatively with fatigue (adjusted OR 0.18 95% CI 0.03-0.98). Clinical response was higher among those with dietitian counseling prior to budesonide (n = 29, 70 vs. 23%, p < 0.01). Mucosal recovery was observed in 11/24 with follow-up duodenal biopsies. There was no association between clinical response and mucosal recovery, and 79% of clinical responders had a symptomatic relapse. RCD (48%) and chronic gluten exposure (24%) were the main suspected aetiologies of NRCD. Most individuals without a clinical response subsequently received an IBS-related diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Budesonide may be effective to induce clinical response in NRCD presenting with diarrhea and VA, but clinical recurrence and lack of mucosal recovery are frequent after tapering. Other diagnoses, including coexisting IBS, may be considered in non-responders to budesonide therapy.

Efficacy of Enteric-Release Oral Budesonide in Treatment of Acute Reactions to Gluten in Patients With Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a common gluten-responsive T cell-mediated enteropathy. The only current treatment is gluten avoidance; however, even when attempting to adhere to a gluten-free diet (GFD), symptomatic gluten exposures are frequent.1.

Inter- and Intra-assay Variation in the Diagnostic Performance of Assays for Anti-tissue Transglutaminase in 2 Populations.

Tissue transglutaminse-2 (TG2)-based immunoassays are the cornerstone of diagnosis in celiac disease (CeD), with a reported pooled sensitivity as high as 98%.1 However, a few small, single-center studies have questioned their sensitivity in clinical practice.2-5 Moreover, commercial kits use variable TG2 antigens,6 with cutoffs determined by using small, poorly defined populations. Variation in diagnostic performance of anti-TG2 assays in different racial and geographic populations has not yet been studied. We compared the interassay and intra-assay variations in diagnostic performance of 4 immunoglobulin (Ig)A-anti-TG2 assays in Canadian and Indian populations.

The Utility of IgA-Based Serologic Markers in Diagnosing Celiac Disease in Children 24 Months of Age or Younger.

Current screening guidelines in North America for celiac disease recommend additional IgG based testing for younger children. Our multicenter retrospective study showed that the anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody test should be the recommended initial test in all children, including those ≤24 months of age.

Celiac Disease: Extraintestinal Manifestations and Associated Conditions.

Celiac disease is a common form of enteropathy with frequent extraintestinal manifestations (EIM). Misrecognition of these presentations may lead to significant delays in diagnosis. Any organ may be involved, either through an immune/inflammatory phenomenon, or nutritional deficiencies. Some EIM, such as gluten ataxia, may be irreversible if left untreated, but most will improve with a gluten-free diet. Knowledge of the various EIM, as well as the associated conditions which do not improve on a gluten-free diet, will avoid delays in the diagnosis and management of celiac disease and associated manifestations.

A Quantitative Assessment of Gluten Cross-contact in the School Environment for Children With Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: A gluten-free (GF) diet is the primary treatment for celiac disease (CD). Gluten is used in schools, particularly in early childhood, art, and home-economics classrooms. This study aimed to measure gluten transfer from school supplies to GF foods that a child with CD may eat. Also, to measure efficacy of washing techniques to remove gluten from hands and tables. METHODS: Five experiments measured potential gluten cross-contact in classrooms: Play-Doh (n = 30); baking project (n = 30); paper mâché (n = 10); dry pasta in sensory table (n = 10); cooked pasta in sensory table (n = 10). Thirty participants ages 2 to 18 were enrolled. Following activities, gluten levels were measured on separate slices of GF bread rubbed on participant's hands and table surfaces. Participants were assigned 1 of 3 handwashing methods (soap and water, water alone, or wet wipe). Repeat gluten transfer measurements were taken from hands and tables. Gluten measurements made using R-Biopharm R7001 R5-ELISA Sandwich assay. RESULTS: Paper mâché, cooked pasta in sensory tables, and baking project resulted in rates of gluten transfer far greater than the 20 ppm threshold set by Codex Alimentarius Commission. Play-Doh and dry pasta, however, resulted in few gluten transfers to GF bread >20 ppm. Soap and water was consistently the most effective method for removing gluten, although other methods proved as effective in certain scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for gluten exposure at school is high for some materials and low for others. For high-risk materials, schools should provide GF supplies and have a robust strategy to prevent gluten cross-contact with food.

Lack of Follow-up of Pediatric Patients With Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is often diagnosed in childhood, and the treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD).1,2 It may take several years to gain competence in the skills required to follow a GFD successfully. Inadequately treated CD is associated with bone fractures, nutritional deficiencies, and lymphoma.3,4 Healthcare providers are key resources for patients with CD. Consultation with a dietitian with GFD expertise at diagnosis and annual disease-specific follow-up care are recommended.2,5 The primary objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to guidelines for dietitian consultation and follow-up for children with CD. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up.

Red Spot Lesions in the Duodenal Bulb Are a Highly Specific Endoscopic Sign of Celiac Disease: A Prospective Study.

We have recognized red spot lesions (RSLs) in the duodenal bulb in children with celiac disease (CD) and believe they may represent an underappreciated and distinct endoscopic sign of CD. A total of 171 pediatric patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy with duodenal biopsy for symptoms consistent with CD were prospectively recruited. There were 75 patients who met criteria for CD and the remaining 96 patients served as symptomatic controls. As compared to endoscopic markers frequently mentioned in literature, RSLs had comparable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 31%, 94%, 80%, and 64%, respectively. If RSLs are noted during endoscopy in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms that might be the result of CD, then sufficient duodenal biopsies to make the diagnosis of CD should be obtained.