No higher risk for colorectal cancer in atrophic gastritis-related hypergastrinemia

BackgroundAtrophic gastritis of the corporal mucosa is a frequent cause of hypergastrinemia. Hypergastrinemia is implicated in colorectal cancer development.AimTo assess whether hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis is associated with a higher risk of neoplastic colorectal lesions.MethodsAmong 441 hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis patients, 160 who were aged >40 and underwent colonoscopy for anaemia, diarrhoea or colorectal cancer-screening were retrospectively selected. Each patient was age- and gender-matched with a normogastrinemic control with healthy stomach. Controls had colonoscopy, gastroscopy with biopsies and gastrin assessment.Results160 hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis patients and 160 controls were included. 28 atrophic gastritis patients and 36 controls had neoplastic colorectal lesions (p = 0.33). Patients and controls did not differ for frequency of colorectal adenomas (10.6% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.60) or cancer (6.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.54). Hypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis was not associated with a higher probability of developing colorectal cancer (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34–3.16). Age >50 years (OR 3.86) but not hypergastrinemia (OR 0.61) was associated with colorectal cancer.ConclusionsHypergastrinemic atrophic gastritis is not associated with higher risk for colorectal cancer. Atrophic gastritis-related hypergastrinemia is not associated with an increased risk of neoplastic colorectal lesions. Closer surveillance of colonic neoplasia in atrophic gastritis patients seems not appropriate.     

The mean number of adenomas per procedure should become the gold standard to measure the neoplasia yield of colonoscopy: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundMeasuring adenoma detection is a priority in the quality improvement process for colonoscopy. Our aim was (1) to determine the most appropriate quality indicators to assess the neoplasia yield of colonoscopy and (2) to establish benchmark rates for the French colorectal cancer screening programme.MethodsRetrospective study of all colonoscopies performed in average-risk asymptomatic people aged 50–74 years after a positive guaiac faecal occult blood test in eight administrative areas of the French population-based programme.ResultsWe analysed 42,817 colonoscopies performed by 316 gastroenterologists. Endoscopists who had an adenoma detection rate around the benchmark of 35% had a mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy varying between 0.36 and 0.98. 13.9% of endoscopists had a mean number of adenomas above the benchmark of 0.6 and an adenoma detection rate below the benchmark of 35%, or inversely. Correlation was excellent between mean numbers of adenomas and polyps per colonoscopy (Pearson coefficient r = 0.90, p < 0.0001), better than correlation between mean number of adenomas and adenoma detection rate (r = 0.84, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe mean number of adenomas per procedure should become the gold standard to measure the neoplasia yield of colonoscopy. Benchmark could be established at 0.6 in the French programme.     

Riesgo de adenomas colorrectales en pacientes con enfermedad celiaca: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Introduction and aims

Whether celiac disease increases the risk of presenting with colorectal adenoma or not, has not been extensively evaluated. This question becomes relevant when considering early screening methods in patients with the disease. The aim of our article was to determine the risk of colorectal adenomas in celiac disease patients.

Rural–urban differences in the long-term risk of colorectal cancer after adenoma removal: A population-based study

BackgroundWe investigated the impact of municipality of residence on colonoscopic surveillance and colorectal cancer risk after adenoma resection in a French well-defined administrative area.MethodsThis registry-based study included all patients residing in Côte d’Or (n = 5769) first diagnosed with colorectal adenomas between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1999. Information about colonoscopic surveillance and colorectal cancer incidence was collected until December 31, 2003.ResultsA rural place of residence reduced the probability of colonoscopic surveillance in men [HR = 0.89 (95%CI: 0.79–0.99), p = 0.041] and in patients without family history of colorectal cancer [HR = 0.91(0.82–0.99), p = 0.044]. After a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 87 patients developed invasive colorectal cancer. After advanced adenoma removal, the standardized incidence ratio for colorectal cancer was 3.03 (95%CI: 1.92–4.54) for rural patients and 1.87 (95%CI: 1.26–2.66) for urban patients compared with the general population. The risk of colorectal cancer was higher in rural patients than in urban ones only after removal of the initial advanced adenoma [HR = 1.73 (95%CI: 1.01–3.00, p = 0.048)]. Further adjustment for surveillance colonoscopy, physician location, and other confounders had little impact on these results.ConclusionThe increased risk of subsequent colorectal cancer after advanced adenoma removal in French rural patients was not explained by a lower rate of colonoscopic surveillance. The role of socio-economic and environmental factors requires further exploration.     

Narrow band imaging vs. high definition colonoscopy for detection of colorectal adenomas in patients with positive faecal occult blood test: A randomised trial

BackgroundThe impact of narrow band imaging in improving the adenoma detection rate in a screening scenario is still unclear.AimTo evaluate whether narrow band imaging compared with high definition white light colonoscopy can enhance the adenoma detection rate during screening colonoscopy.MethodsConsecutive patients presenting for screening colonoscopy were included into this study and were randomly assigned to the narrow band imaging group (Group 1) or standard colonoscopy group (Group 2). Primary end point was the adenoma detection rate and secondary aim was the detection rate of advanced adenomas.ResultsOverall, 117 patients were allocated to Group 1 and 120 to Group 2. Both the adenoma detection rate and the detection rate of advanced adenomas were not significantly different between the two groups (respectively, 52.1% vs. 55%, RR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.75–1.20; 32.5% vs. 44.2%, RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–1.02). No significant difference between the proportions of polypoid and flat adenomas was found. Male gender, no prior history of screening, and endoscopist's adenoma detection rate were independent predictive factors of higher advanced adenoma detection rate.ConclusionsIn a screening scenario, narrow band imaging did not improve the adenoma nor advanced adenoma detection rates compared to high definition white light colonoscopy.     

Neoplasia in the ileoanal pouch following colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background & AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is typically associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis (UC). PSC–IBD patients are at an increased risk for colorectal neoplasia. The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a treatment option for patients with medically refractory UC or neoplasia. However, little is known about the development of pouch neoplasia in PSC–UC patients following an IPAA. We aim to describe the incidence of pouch neoplasia in PSC–UC patients after an IPAA.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC and IBD who underwent colectomy with IPAA followed by pouch surveillance between 1995 and 2012.ResultsSixty-five patients were included in the cohort and were followed up from the time of colectomy/IPAA for a median of 6 years. The most common indications for surgery were low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and refractory colitis. Only 3 patients developed evidence of neoplasia (LGD n = 1, high-grade dysplasia n = 1, adenocarcinoma n = 1). The cumulative 5-year incidence of pouch neoplasia was 5.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.8%–16.1%).ConclusionBased on our short-term follow-up, surveying the pouch frequently appears to be an unnecessary practice in PSC–IBD patients. Longer follow-up will be needed to develop an optimal surveillance strategy for the development of dysplasia and cancer in such patients.     

Post-polypectomy bleeding after colonoscopy on uninterrupted aspirin/non steroideal antiflammatory drugs: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aimThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk of post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) in patients that underwent colorectal polypectomy and exposed to ASA/NSAIDs.MethodsRelevant publications were identified in MEDLINE/EMBASE for the period 1950–2016. Studies with specified ASA/NSAIDs exposure and bleeding rate were included. Study quality was ascertained according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Forest plot was based on fixed or random effect models in relation to the heterogeneity.Results11 studies (4 prospective and 7 retrospective) including 9307 patients were included in the analyses. Overall, 344 patients (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.7; p-value 0.001, I² 52%) experienced rectal bleeding after procedure. While the rate of immediate PPB on aspirin and/or NSAIDs was not increased (OR 1.1; CI 95% 0.6–2.1; d.f. = 1, p = 0.64, I² 0%), the risk of delayed PPB was augmented (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.2; d.f. = 8, p = 0.127, I² 36%).ConclusionsASA/NSAIDs are not a risk factor for immediate PPB but the chance of delayed is increased.     

Co-localization of gluten consumption and HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 genotypes,a clue to the history of celiac disease

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible persons. Despite its detrimental effects on human health, it has not disappeared over time. The current evolutionary theory is that celiac disease is more common in areas reached later by agricultural revolution than in countries that started consumption of wheat earlier, due to negative selection caused by celiac disease.We reviewed data on worldwide prevalence of celiac disease, wheat consumption, and frequencies of HLA-celiac-disease-predisposing-genotypes to investigate their mutual relationship. Studies assessing prevalence of celiac disease were identified through a MEDLINE search. Wheat consumption and frequencies of HLA-DQ2-DQ8 were obtained from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and allelefrequencies.net database. Correlations between celiac disease, wheat consumption, and HLA were analyzed by linear regression. We observed a significant correlation between wheat consumption and HLA DQ2 (p = 0.01) and the sum of DQ2 and DQ8 (p = 0.01) frequencies. Wheat consumption and HLA-DQ2 tend to co-localize in different continents. The correlation between the prevalence of celiac disease and either DQ2 and/or DQ8, or the product of DQ2 + DQ8*wheat consumption was not statistically significant.Co-localization of gluten consumption and HLA-celiac-disease-predisposing-genotypes can be explained by positive selection of HLA-DQ2 genes in wheat-consuming areas, and “demic diffusion” of Middle East farmers into Europe.     

Random biopsies during surveillance colonoscopy increase dysplasia detection in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis

Background and aimPatients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are at increased risk of colon dysplasia. The role of random vs. target biopsies in these patients has not been investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the yield and clinical impact of random biopsies during surveillance colonoscopies in patients with PSC–UC.MethodsData from 71 patients (267 colonoscopies) with PSC and UC, who underwent surveillance colonoscopies and followed-up from 2001 to 2011 was obtained. Colonoscopy and pathology reports were reviewed to assess the yield of random biopsies.ResultsA total of 3975 (median 12) random biopsies were taken during surveillance colonoscopies. Overall, neoplasia was detected in 22 colonoscopies (16 patients): in 8 colonoscopies (36.4%) by targeted biopsies only and in 4 (18.2%) by both targeted and random biopsies. Neoplasia was detected in random biopsies only in 10 (45.5%) colonoscopies in 8 patients. On multivariate analysis, duration of UC (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.81; P = 0.01), number of random biopsies (per increase by 8) (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.18–2.28; P = 0.003) and target biopsies during colonoscopy (OR = 9.08; 95% CI, 3.18–26.0; P < 0.001) independently predicted the presence of dysplasia; endoscopic features of prior inflammation did not.ConclusionsRandom biopsies significantly increase the yield of dysplasia in patients with PSC and UC even in the absence of endoscopic features of prior inflammation and significantly impact clinical outcomes.     

Enteroscopy for the early detection of small bowel tumours in at-risk celiac patients

BackgroundA subset of celiac patients shows a high risk for small bowel malignancies.AimsTo select celiac patients considered at risk and evaluate the diagnostic yield of enteroscopy in this context.MethodsCeliac patients were enrolled from a tertiary referral centre during the period June 2011–June 2013, based on the following criteria: (i) patients diagnosed when aged 50+ and with poor response to gluten-free dieting; (ii) low dietary compliance; (iii) alarm symptoms. The patients underwent small bowel capsule endoscopy and/or double-balloon enteroscopy. Control populations were represented by the 165 non-celiac patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and the 815,362-strong population of the Italian province of Varese as a registered cohort.ResultsFifty-three patients (19% males, mean age 43.6 ± 17.4 years) were evaluated. Two jejunal adenocarcinomas and one ileal neuro-endocrine tumour were diagnosed by enteroscopy (the diagnostic yield for malignancies in the selected population being 5.7%). In the non-celiac controls the detection rate of small bowel tumours by capsule endoscopy was 0.6% (P = 0.04). When compared to the registered population, the relative risk for intestinal malignancy was 1282 (95% CI, 407–4033; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsCapsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy can be considered for early disease management of a subset of celiac patients.     

Influence of K-ras status and anti-tumour treatments on complications due to colorectal self-expandable metallic stents: A retrospective multicentre study

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the relationship between K-ras status, anti-tumour treatments, and the complications of colorectal self-expandable metallic stenting in colorectal cancer.MethodsThis is a retrospective, multicentre study of 91 patients with obstructive advanced colorectal cancer palliated with enteral stents between 2007 and 2011.ResultsK-ras wild-type tumours were diagnosed in 44 patients (48.4%); 82 (90.1%) received chemotherapy and 45 (49.4%) had additional biological therapy (34 bevacizumab, 11 cetuximab). Twenty-one (23.1%) experienced stent-related complications: 11 (52.4%) occurred in the K-ras mutant group (P = 0.9). K-ras wild-type patients were not less likely to develop adverse events than K-ras mutant patients (OR, 0.99; 95% CI: 0.4–2.7). Overall mean time to complication was 167.6 days (range 4–720 days), with no difference between the two groups (141 vs. 197 days; P = 0.5). Chemotherapy did not influence the risk of complications (OR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.14–2.9), and there was no evidence that patients treated with chemotherapy and cetuximab were more likely to experience stent-related complications than patients treated with chemotherapy alone, or untreated (OR, 1.2; 95% CI: 0.2–5.9). Although perforation rates were higher with bevacizumab-based treatment (11.8% vs. 7%), this result was not statistically significant (P = 0.69).ConclusionsK-ras mutation status, chemotherapy, and biological treatments should not influence colorectal stent-related complication rates.     

Shape of the OGTT glucose curve and risk of impaired glucose metabolism in the EGIR-RISC cohort

ObjectiveTo study whether the shape of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-glucose curve is a stable trait over time; it is associated with differences in insulin sensitivity, ß-cell function and risk of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and glucose tolerance (IGT) in the Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease (RISC) cohort.MethodsOGTT-glucose curve shape was classified as monophasic, biphasic, triphasic and anomalous in 915 individuals. Oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS), Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and ß-cell function were assessed at baseline and 3 years apart.ResultsThe OGTT-glucose curve had the same baseline shape after 3 years in 540 people (59%; κ = 0.115; p < 0.0001). Seventy percent of the participants presented with monophasic OGTT-glucose curve shape at baseline and after 3 years (percent positive agreement 0.74). Baseline monophasic shape was associated with significant increased risk of IFG (OR 1.514; 95% CI 1.084–2.116; p = 0.015); biphasic shape with reduced risk of IGT (OR 0.539; 95% CI 0.310–0.936) and triphasic shape with reduced risk of IFG (OR 0.493; 95% CI 0.228–1.066; P = 0.043) after 3 years. Increased risks of IFG (OR 1.509; 95% CI 1.008–2.260; p = 0.05) and IGT (OR 1.947; 95% CI 1.085–3.494; p = 0.02) were found in people who kept stable monophasic morphology over time and in switchers from biphasic to monophasic shape (OR of IGT = 3.085; 95% CI 1.377–6.912; p = 0.001).ConclusionAfter 3 years follow-up, the OGTT-glucose shape was stable in 59% of the RISC cohort. Shapes were associated with different OGIS and ß-cell function; persistence over time of the monophasic shape and switch from biphasic to monophasic shape with increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism.     

A combination of clinical risk stratification and fecal immunochemical test is useful for identifying persons with high priority of early colonoscopy

BackgroundWe aimed to develop a combination screening strategy for advanced colorectal neoplasia based on the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score and fecal immunochemical test results.MethodsWe reviewed the records of participants who had undergone a colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test as part of a comprehensive health screening program. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in participants 40–49 years old was analyzed according to Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening scores and fecal immunochemical test results.ResultsWe analyzed the data of 9205 participants 40–49 years old and 3215 participants ≥50 years old. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in participants 40–49 years old was 1.0%, 2.1%, 7.1%, and 13.4% in the “fecal immunochemical test (−) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening < 2,” “fecal immunochemical test (−) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 2,” “fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening < 2,” and “fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 2” subgroups, respectively. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in “fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 2” subgroup was higher than in participants ≥50 years old with Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 4 (13.4% vs. 5.8%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsFecal immunochemical test-positive individuals 40–49 years old with an Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 2 have a higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia than individuals ≥50 years old with an Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening ≥ 4.     

Computed tomographic colonography in subjects with positive faecal occult blood test refusing optical colonoscopy

BackgroundRefusal of colonoscopy is a drawback of colorectal cancer screening programmes based on faecal occult blood test. Computed-tomographic-colonography is generally more accepted than colonoscopy.AimTo compare adherence to computed-tomographic-colonography and second-invitation colonoscopy in subjects with positive faecal test refusing colonoscopy.MethodsWe performed a prospective study in 198 subjects with positive faecal test who refused first referral to colonoscopy in one endoscopy service of the Florence screening programme. Subjects were randomly invited to computed-tomographic-colonography (n = 100) or re-invited to colonoscopy (n = 98). Mail invitation was followed by a questionnaire administered by phone. Computed-tomographic-colonography findings were verified with colonoscopy.Results32 subjects could not be reached, 71 (35.9%) had undergone colonoscopy on their own; 4 were excluded for contraindications; 30/48 (62.5%) in the computed-tomographic-colonography arm and 11/43 (25.6%) in the colonoscopy arm accepted the proposed examinations (p < 0.001). Four advanced adenomas and 1 cancer were found in the 28 subjects who ultimately underwent computed-tomographic-colonography and 2 advanced adenomas and 2 cancers in the 9 subjects who ultimately underwent second-invitation colonoscopy.ConclusionSubjects with positive faecal occult blood test refusing colonoscopy show a higher adherence to computed-tomographic-colonography than to second invitation colonoscopy.     

Functional polymorphisms of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 alter the risk for colorectal carcinoma in Europeans

BackgroundColon carcinogenesis is associated with increased expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4.AimTo determine in a Caucasian population the role of Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms in colorectal cancer development.MethodsHospital based multicentre case control study involving 193 colorectal cancer patients and 278 healthy individuals. DNA samples were extracted from blood cells and genotyping of TLR2+597T>C, TLR2?4760T>C, TLR4?3745A>G, TLR2Arg753Gln, TLR4Asp299Gly was performed. Functionality of risk polymorphisms was evaluated through production of TNF-α in cell culture and Toll-like receptors levels quantified by real-time RT-PCR.ResultsTLR2+597CC homozygous had 5-fold decreased risk (odds ratio (OR) = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09–0.50, p < 0.001) and TLR4 299Gly homozygous 3-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.18–9.28, p = 0.015). In stratified analysis, TLR2+597CC genotype protective effect was even higher in overweight individuals (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.53, p < 0.001) and in never smokers (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.51, p = 0.001). Also, the increased risk effect for TLR4 299Gly homozygous genotype was higher in overweight individuals (OR = 8.67, 95% CI: 1.11–87.85, p = 0.011). TLR2+597T>C polymorphism conferred 41% less (p = 0.03) and TLR4Asp299Gly 65% more TNF-α production (p = 0.02) with no differences in Toll-like receptors levels.ConclusionFunctional Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms significantly alter the risk to have colorectal cancer. Obesity and smoking may influence the risk for colorectal cancer in individuals presenting these genetic profiles.     

Prevalence and predictors of MRSA,ESBL, and VRE colonization in the ambulatory IBD population

Background and aimsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients may be at increased risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant organisms (ARO). We sought to determine the prevalence of colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterobacteriaceae containing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), and vancomycin-resistant enterococi (VRE) among ambulatory IBD patients.MethodsWe recruited consecutive IBD patients from clinics (n = 306) and 3 groups of non-IBD controls from our colon cancer screening program (n = 67), the family medicine clinic (n = 190); and the emergency department (n = 428) from the same medical center in Toronto. We obtained nasal and rectal swabs for MRSA, ESBL, and VRE and ascertained risk factors for colonization.ResultsCompared to non-IBD controls, IBD patients had similar prevalence of colonization with MRSA (1.5% vs. 1.6%), VRE (0% vs. 0%), and ESBL (9.0 vs. 11.1%). Antibiotic use in the prior 3 months was a risk factor for MRSA (OR, 3.07; 95% CI: 1.10–8.54), particularly metronidazole. Moreover, gastric acid suppression was associated with increased risk of MRSA colonization (adjusted OR, 7.12; 95% CI: 1.07–47.4). Predictive risk factors for ESBL included hospitalization in the past 12 months (OR, 2.04, 95% CI: 1.05–3.95); treatment with antibiotics it the past 3 months (OR, 2.66; 95% CI: 1.37–5.18), particularly prior treatment with vancomycin or cephalosporins.ConclusionsAmbulatory IBD patients have similar prevalence of MRSA, ESBL and VRE compared to non-IBD controls. This finding suggests that the increased MRSA and VRE prevalence observed in hospitalized IBD patients is acquired in-hospital rather than in the outpatient setting.     

Peri-aortic fat,cardiovascular disease risk factors,and aortic calcification: The Framingham Heart Study

ObjectivePerivascular fat through the secretion of paracrine and pro-inflammatory mediators may play a role in obesity-mediated vascular disease. We sought to examine associations between adipose tissue depots immediately surrounding the thoracic aorta, metabolic risk factors, and vascular calcification.MethodsIn participants free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort who underwent computed tomography (n = 1067, mean age 59 years, 56.1% women), thoracic peri-aortic fat depots were quantified. Visceral abdominal tissue (VAT) and calcification of the thoracic and abdominal aorta were also measured.ResultsPeri-aortic fat depots were correlated with body mass index, waist circumference (WC), VAT (all p < 0.0001), hypertension (p = 0.007), low HDL (p < 0.0001), serum triglycerides (p < 0.0001), impaired fasting glucose (p = 0.005), and diabetes (p = 0.02). These associations generally remained significant after adjustment for BMI and WC (all p-values < 0.05), but not after VAT adjustment. Thoracic aortic fat was associated with thoracic calcification in models containing VAT (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01–1.71, p = 0.04), but was not significant after adjustment for CVD risk factors (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.88–1.51, p = 0.30). Thoracic aortic fat, however, was associated with abdominal aortic calcification (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11–1.98, p = 0.008) and coronary artery calcification (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09–1.98, p = 0.001) even in models including CVD risk factors and VAT.ConclusionsThoracic peri-aortic fat is associated with measures of adiposity, metabolic risk factors, and coronary and abdominal aortic calcification.     

Celiac disease or positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients undergoing renal biopsies

BackgroundAn association between celiac disease and renal diseases has been suggested, but the results are controversial.AimsTo investigate the prevalence of celiac disease autoimmunity among individuals undergoing renal biopsies and to evaluate whether co-existent celiac autoimmunity influences the clinical outcome of the renal disease.MethodsThe prevalence of celiac autoimmunity (previous diagnosis of celiac disease or positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies) was determined in 827 consecutive patients undergoing kidney biopsies due to clinical indications. Up to 15 years’ follow-up data on kidney function and co-morbidities were obtained.ResultsCeliac autoimmunity was found in 45 (5.4%) patients. Among the IgA nephropathy patients, 8.2% of had celiac autoimmunity. At the time of kidney biopsy and after a median follow-up of 5 to 6 years, renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was inferior in IgA nephropathy patients with celiac autoimmunity compared to those without it (P = 0.048 and P = 0.022, respectively).ConclusionThe prevalence of celiac autoimmunity seems to be high in patients undergoing renal biopsies, especially in patients with IgA nephropathy. Such autoimmunity may be associated with worse renal function in IgA nephropathy. Hence the co-existence of celiac disease should be taken into consideration when treating patients with renal diseases.     

The risk of contracting pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in children with celiac disease,epilepsy, juvenile arthritis and type 1 diabetes—a nationwide study

Background and aimsThe association of celiac disease with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is unclear. This study assesses the risk of IBD in children diagnosed with celiac disease and three other chronic diseases, namely epilepsy, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and type 1 diabetes using nationwide, comprehensive registers.MethodsWe identified Finnish children born between 1994 and 2008 and diagnosed with IBD (n = 596) by October 2010 (aged up to 16 years) in a national register of medical reimbursements, which all these patients are entitled to. The presence of other chronic diseases, such as celiac disease, epilepsy, JIA and type 1 diabetes, diagnosed before the diagnosis of IBD was accordingly identified in patients and their population-based, individually matched controls (n = 2380). The data on chronic diseases are based on certificates including the diagnostic criteria. The risk of contracting IBD in children with a diagnosis of a chronic disease was analyzed using conditional logistic regression analysis.ResultsChronic diseases were more common in children contracting IBD than in their matched controls (frequency of chronic diseases 5.9% and 1.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). Celiac disease associated with later development of ulcerative colitis (p < 0.01) but the association with Crohn's disease was less clear (p < 0.05). For the other chronic diseases, association was seen only between epilepsy and ulcerative colitis (p < 0.01).ConclusionPediatric patients with celiac disease or epilepsy have an increased risk of developing IBD during their childhood but the risk is not high. This finding warrants a thorough investigation of intestinal symptoms in these children.