Coeliac Disease Case-Control Study: Has the Time Come to Explore beyond Patients at Risk?

The worldwide prevalence of asymptomatic coeliac disease (CD) is increasing, which is in part due to the routine screening of children with risk factors. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with CD are at risk of long-term complications. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of asymptomatic and symptomatic children at the time of CD diagnosis. A case-control study was conducted using data from a cohort of 4838 CD patients recruited from 73 centers across Spain between 2011 and 2017. A total of 468 asymptomatic patients (cases) were selected and matched by age and sex with 468 symptomatic patients (controls). Clinical data, including any reported symptoms, as well as serologic, genetic, and histopathologic data were collected. No significant differences were found between the two groups in most clinical variables, nor in the degree of intestinal lesion. However, the asymptomatic patients were taller (height z-score -0.12 (1.06) vs. -0.45 (1.19), p < 0.001) and were less likely to have anti transglutaminase IgA antibodies ≥ 10 times the upper normal limit (66.2% vs. 758.4%, p = 0.002). Among the 37.1% of asymptomatic patients who were not screened for CD due to the absence of risk factors, only 34% were truly asymptomatic, while the remaining 66% reported non-specific CD-related symptoms. Therefore, expanding CD screening to any child who undergoes a blood test could reduce the burden of care for some children, as many of those considered asymptomatic reported non-specific CD-related symptoms.

Correlation of Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies With the Mucosal Changes and IgA Status of Children With Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the association between serological markers and changes of the intestinal mucosa in children with celiac disease (CD). METHODS: Clinical data from CD patients under 15 years old were collected from the participating centers in an on-line multicenter nationwide observational Spanish registry called REPAC-2 (2011-2017). Correlation between anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (t-TGA) levels and other variables, including mucosal damage and clinical findings (symptoms, age, and gender), was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2955 of 4838 patients had t-TGA and a small bowel biopsy (SBB) performed for CD diagnosis. A total of 1931 (66.2%) patients with normal IgA values had a Marsh 3b-c lesion and 1892 (64.9%) had t-TGA Immunoglobulin A (IgA) ≥ 10 times upper limit of normal (ULN). There is a statistically significant association between t-TGA IgA levels and the degree of mucosal damage ( P < 0.001), the higher the t-TGA IgA levels the more severe the mucosal damage. Those patients who reported symptoms had more severe mucosal damage ( P = 0.001). On the contrary, there was a negative association between age and changes of the intestinal mucosa ( P < 0.001). No association was found with gender. Regarding the IgA-deficient patients, 47.4% (18 cases) had t-TGA Immunoglobulin A (IgA) ≥ 10 times ULN and a Marsh 3b-c lesion was observed in 68.4% (26 patients). No statistical relation was found between t-TGA IgG levels and the changes of the intestinal mucosa, neither a relation with age, gender, or symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between t-TGA IgA levels and the severity of changes of the intestinal mucosa. Such correlation was not found in IgA-deficient patients who had positive t-TGA IgG serology. The results in this group of patients support the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition recommendations about the need of performing a SBB in IgA-deficient individuals despite high t-TGA IgG levels.

Spanish National Registry of Paediatric Coeliac Disease: Changes in the Clinical Presentation in the 21st Century.

OBJECTIVES: Over the last several decades, there has been a tendency towards a predominance of less symptomatic forms of coeliac disease (CD) and an increase in the patient age at diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the clinical presentation and diagnostic process of paediatric CD in Spain. METHODS: A nationwide prospective, observational, multicentre registry of new paediatric CD cases was conducted from January 2011 to June 2017. The data regarding demographic variables, type of birth, breast-feeding history, family history of CD, symptoms, height and weight, associated conditions, serological markers, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) phenotype, and histopathological findings were collected. RESULTS: In total, 4838 cases (61% girls) from 73 centres were registered. The median age at diagnosis was 4 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms were detected in 71.4% of the patients, and diarrhoea was the most frequent symptom (45.9%). The most common clinical presentation was the classical form (65.1%) whereas 9.8% ofthe patients were asymptomatic. There was a trend towards an increase in the age at diagnosis, proportion of asymptomatic CD cases, and usage of anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies and HLA typing for CD diagnosis. There was, however, a decreasing trend in the proportion of patients undergoing biopsies. Some of these significant trend changes may reflect the effects of the 2012 ESPGHAN diagnosis guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric CD in Spain is evolving in the same direction as in the rest of Europe, although classical CD remains the most common presentation form, and the age at diagnosis remains relatively low.

Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and phenotype at diagnosis in 2011: results of the Epi-IBD 2011 study in the Vigo area.

OBJECTIVE: to validate the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reported in Vigo in 2010 within the Epi-IBD study, which was the highest incidence reported so far in Spain. METHODS: an epidemiological, prospective, population-based inception cohort study. All incident cases of IBD living in the Vigo area at diagnosis from January 1 to December 31, 2011 were included. RESULTS: one hundred patients were diagnosed (62 % men; median age, 43.27 years): 49 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 34 with Crohn's disease (CD), and 17 with IBD unclassified (IBDU). The incidence (per 100,000 inhabitants/year) was 17.56 (CD: 5.97; UC: 8.60; IBDU: 2.98), similar to that reported in 2010. The incidence in the non-pediatric population was 19.66 (CD: 6.89, UC: 9.52; IBDU: 3.04). CD and UC phenotype was similar in 2010 and 2011. CONCLUSION: this study supports the increased incidence of EII in the Vigo area reported in 2010.

Spanish Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnostic Delay Registry: SPIDER Study From Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica.

Background and Aims: Diagnostic delay (DD) is especially relevant in children with inflammatory bowel disease, leading to potential complications. We examined the intervals and factors for DD in the pediatric population of Spain. Methods: We conducted a multicentric prospective study, including 149 pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients, obtaining clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data. Time to diagnosis (TD) was divided into several intervals to identify those where the DD was longer and find the variables that prolonged those intervals. Missed opportunities for diagnosis (MODs) were also identified. Results: Overall TD was 4.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6-10.4), being significantly higher in Crohn's disease (CD) than in ulcerative colitis (UC) (6.3 [IQR 3.3-12.3] vs. 3 [IQR 1.6-5.6] months, p = 0.0001). Time from the visit to the first physician until referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist was the main contributor to TD (2.4 months [IQR 1.03-7.17] in CD vs. 0.83 months [IQR 0.30-2.50] in UC, p = 0.0001). One hundred and ten patients (78.3%) visited more than one physician (29.9% to 4 or more), and 16.3% visited the same physician more than six times before being assessed by the pediatric gastroenterologist. The number of MODs was significantly higher in CD than that in UC patients: 4 MODs (IQR 2-7) vs. 2 MODs ([IQR 1-5], p = 0.003). Referral by pediatricians from hospital care allowed earlier IBD diagnosis (odds ratio 3.2 [95% confidence interval 1.1-8.9], p = 0.025). Conclusions: TD and DD were significantly higher in CD than those in UC. IBD patients (especially those with CD) undergo a large number of medical visits until the final diagnosis.

Alergia a las proteínas de leche de vaca no mediada por IgE: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SEGHNP), la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPAP), la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP) y la Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica, Alergología y Asma Pediátrica (SEICAP) / Non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (SEGHNP), the Spanish Association of Paediatric Primary Care (AEPAP), the Spanish Society of Extra-hospital Paediatrics and Primary Health Care (SEPEAP), and the Spanish Society of Paediatric ClinicaL Immunology, Allergy, and Asthma (SEICAP)

No disponible

[Non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (SEGHNP), the Spanish Association of Paediatric Primary Care (AEPAP), the Spanish Society of Extra-hospital Paediatrics and Primary Health Care (SEPEAP), and the Spanish Society of Paediatric ClinicaL Immunology, Allergy, and Asthma (SEICAP)]. / Alergia a las proteínas de leche de vaca no mediada por IgE: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SEGHNP), la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPAP), la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP) y la Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica, Alergología y Asma Pediátrica (SEICAP).

Non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy is a frequent disorder in paediatrics. As patients might be seen by professionals from different specialties and levels of expertise, a great variability in diagnostic procedures and disease monitoring is commonly observed. Therefore, four scientific societies involved in its management have developed a consensus document providing specific recommendations related to its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

Incidence and phenotype at diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Results in Spain of the EpiCom study / Incidencia y fenotipo al diagnóstico en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Resultados del estudio EpiCom en España

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing progressively. Few recent epidemiological prospective studies are available in Spain. The Epicom study, a population-based inception cohort of unselected IBD patients developed within the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization, was started in 2010. Vigo is the only Spanish area participating. OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of IBD in the Vigo area and the phenotypical characteristics at diagnosis and to compare them with previous data available in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological, descriptive, prospective, and population-based study. All incident cases of IBD during 2010 and living in the Vigo area at diagnosis were included. The Copenhagen Diagnostic criteria were used to define cases. Background population at the start of the study was 579,632 inhabitants. Data were prospectively entered in the EpiCom database. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included (57.5% men, median age 39.5 years). Of them 53 were diagnosed of as Crohn's disease (CD), 47 ulcerative colitis (UC) and six IBD unclassified (IBDU). The incidence rate per 100,000 per year for patients aged 15 years or older was 21.4 (10.8 for CD, 9.4 for UC, 1.2 IBDU). Including pediatric population incidence rates were 18.3 (10.3 CD, 8.7 UC, 1.2 IBDU). Median time since onset of symptoms until diagnosis was 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of IBD in Vigo is the highest compared to former Spanish cohorts, especially in CD patients. Median time since onset of symptoms until diagnosis is relatively short

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incidencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) va paulatinamente en aumento. En España escasean los estudios epidemiológicos prospectivos recientes. En 2010 se inició el estudio Epicom, un estudio demográfico de cohortes de inicio de pacientes con EII no seleccionados que se desarrolla en el marco de la Organización Europea de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa. La de Vigo es la única zona española participante. OBJETIVO: Describir la incidencia de la EII en el área de Vigo y las características fenotípicas en el momento del diagnóstico y compararlas con los datos previos disponibles sobre España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo, prospectivo y demográfico. Se incluyeron todos los casos de EII incidentes durante el año 2010 en residentes de la zona de Vigo. Para definir los casos se emplearon los criterios diagnósticos de Copenhague. La población del entorno al inicio del estudio era de 579.632 habitantes. Los datos se incluyeron en la base de datos EpiCom de manera prospectiva. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó un total de 106 pacientes (57,5% varones, mediana de edad de 39,5 años). De ellos, 53 fueron diagnosticados con enfermedad de Crohn (EC), 47 con colitis ulcerosa (CU) y 6 con EII no clasificado (EIINC). La tasa de incidencia anual por 100.000 para pacientes de 15 años o más fue de 21,4 (10,8 para EC; 9,4 para CU; 1,2 para EIINC). Si se incluye la población pediátrica, la tasa de incidencia fue de 18,3 (10,3 para EC; 8,7 para CU; 1,2 para EIINC). La mediana de tiempo para la aparición de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 2 meses.CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de incidencia de la EII en Vigo es la más alta en comparación con antiguas cohortes españolas, sobre todo en el caso de los pacientes con EC. La mediana de tiempo para la aparición de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico es relativamente breve

Incidence and phenotype at diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Results in Spain of the EpiCom study.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing progressively. Few recent epidemiological prospective studies are available in Spain. The Epicom study, a population-based inception cohort of unselected IBD patients developed within the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization, was started in 2010. Vigo is the only Spanish area participating. OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of IBD in the Vigo area and the phenotypical characteristics at diagnosis and to compare them with previous data available in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological, descriptive, prospective, and population-based study. All incident cases of IBD during 2010 and living in the Vigo area at diagnosis were included. The Copenhagen Diagnostic criteria were used to define cases. Background population at the start of the study was 579,632 inhabitants. Data were prospectively entered in the EpiCom database. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included (57.5% men, median age 39.5 years). Of them 53 were diagnosed of as Crohn's disease (CD), 47 ulcerative colitis (UC) and six IBD unclassified (IBDU). The incidence rate per 100,000 per year for patients aged 15 years or older was 21.4 (10.8 for CD, 9.4 for UC, 1.2 IBDU). Including pediatric population incidence rates were 18.3 (10.3 CD, 8.7 UC, 1.2 IBDU). Median time since onset of symptoms until diagnosis was 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of IBD in Vigo is the highest compared to former Spanish cohorts, especially in CD patients. Median time since onset of symptoms until diagnosis is relatively short.

PRESENT; PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn's disease in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is one of the therapeutic strategies used to induce remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Although its use is recommended in clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents, the frequency of this practice in Spain is unknown. METHODS: A 70-item questionnaire ( PRESENT: PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn's disease in Spain) was drafted and distributed through the SEGHNP (Spanish Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) e-mail list. RESULTS: We received information from 51 Pediatric Gastroenterology Units. Of the 287 patients newly diagnosed with CD in 2011-2012 at these centres (139 in 2011, 148 in 2012), 182 (63%) received EEN (58% in 2011 and 68% in 2012). 26% of the patients who received EEN in the period studied (64/246) did so during relapses. All the physicians (100%) who responded to the questionnaire believe that EEN is effective in inducing clinical remission in mild to moderate CD. However, 24.5% of respondents never use EEN during relapses. The enteral formulas used most often used were polymeric formulas specific for CD (70.6%) and the preferred administration route was oral, with 60.8% using flavouring and 9.3% allowing a variable percentage of calories in the form of other foods. 65% use 5-ASA together with EEN, 69% use antibiotics and 95% immunomodulators (thiopurines). The duration of EEN tends to be 8 weeks (47.1%), and transition to regular diet was achieved sequentially over a variable period of time. Regarding barriers and limiting factors for the use of EEN, those most frequently reported include lack of acceptance by the patient and/or family (71%), lack of time and/or ancillary staff (69%) and difficulty in convincing the patient and/or family of the suitability of treatment (43%). CONCLUSIONS: EEN use rates are similar to those of other European questionnaires. Tools that facilitate acceptance by the patient and family are needed. Increasing the time dedicated to this therapeutic modality is likewise important. Given the disparity of criteria for indicating treatment with EEN, it would be useful to have widely accepted clinical practice guidelines or protocols that facilitate the decision to use it.

Objetivos: La nutrición enteral exclusiva (NEE) es una de las estrategias terapéuticas empleadas para inducir la remisión en niños con enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Pese a que la NEE se recomienda en las guías de práctica clínica y en los documentos de consenso, la frecuencia real de su empleo en España es desconocida. Métodos: Encuesta compuesta por 70-items (PRESENT: PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn's disease in Spain) que se distribuyó a través de la lista de distribución de Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SEGHNP). Resultados: Se recibieron los datos de 51 unidades de Gastroenterología Pediátrica del territorio español. De los 287 pacientes recién diagnosticados de EC durante los años 2011-12 en esos centros (139 en 2011 y 148 en 20212), 182 (63%) recibieron NEE (58% en 2011 y 68% en 2012). El 26% de los pacientes que recibieron NEE estaban en recaída. Todos los facultativos que respondieron pensaban que la NEE es efectiva para inducir la remisión clínica en los brotes leves-moderados. El 24,5% no emplean la NEE durante las recaídas. Las formulas enterales empleadas más frecuentemente fueron las específicas para EC (70,6%), la vía oral fue la más utilizada, el 60,8% utilizaron saborizantes y el 9,8% de las unidades permitían un porcentaje variable de calorías en forma de otros alimentos durante el periodo de NEE. El 65% emplearon 5-ASA junto con la NEE, el 69% antibióticos y hasta un 95% inmunomoduladores. La duración de la NEE fue de 8 semanas en el 47,1% de los casos, la transición hacia una dieta normal se realizó de forma secuencial. En relación a las barreras y factores limitantes encontrados por los respondedores para instaurar la NEE destacaban la falta de aceptación por el paciente y/o la familia (71%), falta de tiempo o de personal auxiliar (69%) y la dificultad para convencer al paciente o su familia de la idoneidad del tratamiento (43%). Conclusiones: La frecuencia de empleo de la NEE en pacientes con EC es similar a la de otros cuestionarios europeos. Se precisan herramientas y recursos que faciliten la aceptación por parte del paciente y de su familia así como disponer de más tiempo a dedicar para instaurar esta modalidad terapéutica. Dada la disparidad de criterios para la indicación de la EEN, sería útil disponer de guías de práctica clínica ampliamente aceptadas o protocolos que facilitan la decisión de utilizarla.

PRESENT; PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn’s disease in Spain / PRESENT; PREScripción de NUtrición Enteral en la enfermedad de Crohn pediátrica en España

Objectives: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is one of the therapeutic strategies used to induce remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Although its use is recommended in clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents, the frequency of this practice in Spain is unknown. Methods: A 70-item questionnaire (PRESENT: PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn's disease in Spain) was drafted and distributed through the SEGHNP (Spanish Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) e-mail list. Results: We received information from 51 Pediatric Gastroenterology Units. Of the 287 patients newly diagnosed with CD in 2011-2012 at these centres (139 in 2011, 148 in 2012), 182 (63%) received EEN (58% in 2011 and 68% in 2012). 26% of the patients who received EEN in the period studied (64/246) did so during relapses. All the physicians (100%) who responded to the questionnaire believe that EEN is effective in inducing clinical remission in mild to moderate CD. However, 24.5% of respondents never use EEN during relapses. The enteral formulas used most often used were polymeric formulas specific for CD (70.6%) and the preferred administration route was oral, with 60.8% using flavouring and 9.3% allowing a variable percentage of calories in the form of other foods. 65% use 5-ASA together with EEN, 69% use antibiotics and 95% immunomodulators (thiopurines). The duration of EEN tends to be 8 weeks (47.1%), and transition to regular diet was achieved sequentially over a variable period of time. Regarding barriers and limiting factors for the use of EEN, those most frequently reported include lack of acceptance by the patient and/or family (71%), lack of time and/or ancillary staff (69%) and difficulty in convincing the patient and/or family of the suitability of treatment (43%). Conclusions: EEN use rates are similar to those of other European questionnaires. Tools that facilitate acceptance by the patient and family are needed. Increasing the time dedicated to this therapeutic modality is likewise important. Given the disparity of criteria for indicating treatment with EEN, it would be useful to have widely accepted clinical practice guidelines or protocols that facilitate the decision to use it (AU)

Objetivos: La nutrición enteral exclusiva (NEE) es una de las estrategias terapéuticas empleadas para inducir la remisión en niños con enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Pese a que la NEE se recomienda en las guías de práctica clínica y en los documentos de consenso, la frecuencia real de su empleo en España es desconocida. Métodos: Encuesta compuesta por 70-items (PRESENT: PREScription of Enteral Nutrition in pediaTric Crohn's disease in Spain) que se distribuyó a través de la lista de distribución de Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SEGHNP). Resultados: Se recibieron los datos de 51 unidades de Gastroenterología Pediátrica del territorio español. De los 287 pacientes recién diagnosticados de EC durante los años 2011-12 en esos centros (139 en 2011 y 148 en 20212), 182 (63%) recibieron NEE (58% en 2011 y 68% en 2012). El 26% de los pacientes que recibieron NEE estaban en recaída. Todos los facultativos que respondieron pensaban que la NEE es efectiva para inducir la remisión clínica en los brotes leves-moderados. El 24,5% no emplean la NEE durante las recaídas. Las formulas enterales empleadas más frecuentemente fueron las específicas para EC (70,6%), la vía oral fue la más utilizada, el 60,8% utilizaron saborizantes y el 9,8% de las unidades permitían un porcentaje variable de calorías en forma de otros alimentos durante el periodo de NEE. El 65% emplearon 5-ASA junto con la NEE, el 69% antibióticos y hasta un 95% inmunomoduladores. La duración de la NEE fue de 8 semanas en el 47,1% de los casos, la transición hacia una dieta normal se realizó de forma secuencial. En relación a las barreras y factores limitantes encontrados por los respondedores para instaurar la NEE destacaban la falta de aceptación por el paciente y/o la familia (71%), falta de tiempo o de personal auxiliar (69%) y la dificultad para convencer al paciente o su familia de la idoneidad del tratamiento (43%). Conclusiones: La frecuencia de empleo de la NEE en pacientes con EC es similar a la de otros cuestionarios europeos. Se precisan herramientas y recursos que faciliten la aceptación por parte del paciente y de su familia así como disponer de más tiempo a dedicar para instaurar esta modalidad terapéutica. Dada la disparidad de criterios para la indicación de la EEN, sería útil disponer de guías de práctica clínica ampliamente aceptadas o protocolos que facilitan la decisión de utilizarla (AU)