09/18/2023 - Vomiting and nausea are considered common symptoms related to gluten ingestion in treated celiac disease. However, the overall rates and associated factors of these symptoms after chronic gluten exposure, and acute re-exposure during gluten challenge, remain poorly understood.
A team of researchers recently set out to explore the rates and factors associated with vomiting and nausea in individuals with celiac disease, both at the time of diagnosis and during gluten challenges.
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The research team included Iida Ahonen, Pilvi Laurikka, Sara Koskimaa, Heini Huhtala, Katri Lindfors, Katri Kaukinen, Kalle Kurppa, and Laura Kivelä. They are variously affiliated with the Celiac Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; the Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; the Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; the Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; and the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, Seinäjoki, Finland.
For their study, the researchers collected medical data from 815 adult celiac disease patients at the time of their diagnosis, and an additional 74 patients underwent a three-day gluten challenge.
Here are the team's key findings:
At The Time of Celiac Disease Diagnosis
About one in three patients presented with vomiting at the time of their celiac disease diagnosis. These patients were less likely to have been identified through screening, and more likely to experience various other symptoms.
Specifically, patients who suffered from vomiting had about a 20% higher occurrence of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, along with a nearly 30% higher rates of childhood symptoms, compared to those without vomiting.
During a Gluten Challenge
During the short-term gluten challenge, nearly 20% of patients experienced vomiting/nausea. Interestingly, those who consumed gluten-free oats less frequently were about 30% more likely to experience these symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of other clinical-demographic characteristics, duration of a gluten-free diet, or other symptoms.
Literature Review
The study also conducted a literature review, which revealed a wide range in the prevalence of vomiting/nausea in celiac disease patients, both at diagnosis (ranging from 3% to 46%), and during gluten challenges (ranging from 13% to 61%).
Overall, vomiting and nausea appear to be relatively specific symptoms associated with gluten ingestion in individuals with treated celiac disease. At diagnosis, those experiencing vomiting tended to have a higher rates of other gastrointestinal symptoms and an earlier onset of symptoms in childhood. During a gluten challenge, reduced consumption of gluten-free oats was linked to a higher likelihood of vomiting/nausea. The prevalence of these symptoms varied widely in the existing literature.
This research provides valuable insights into the presentation of symptoms in celiac disease patients, shedding light on factors associated with vomiting and nausea both at diagnosis and during gluten challenges.
Read more at bmcgastroenterology.com
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