Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), or, better, Non Celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS), since it is not known the real pathogenetic component(s) of grain, is a syndrome characterized by a cohort of symptoms, both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal, related to the ingestion of gluten/wheat-containing food in subjects who are not affected by celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy. In particular, the possibility of extraintestinal manifestations in this condition has been suggested by some reports. In most cases, they are characterized by vague symptoms, such as headache, 'foggy mind', fatigue, joint and muscle pain, leg or arm numbness (i.e., fibromyalgia-like symptoms), even if more specific complaints have been described. A possible neurological involvement has been underlined by NCWS association with gluten encephalopathy, gluten ataxia, and gluten peripheric neuropathy. NCWS patients may show even psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Other described extraintestinal manifestations are dermatitis, (eczema or skin rash), gynecological disorders, and anemia. In addition, the association of NCWS with autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, and presence of anti-nuclear or other autoantibodies has been demonstrated, suggesting that, similarly to CD, NCWS might be considered as an immune system-related disease, and this aspect should be of relevance. In conclusion, the novelty of this matter has generated an expansion of literature data about the clinical features of the disease, with the unavoidable consequence that some reports are often based on low levels of evidence. The aims of the present study were to: a) retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and kind of extraintestinal symptoms in a large cohort of NCWS patients; b) to research for a possible relationship between the clinical, serological, genetic and histological characteristics of the NCWS patients and the number and kind of extraintestinal manifestations. As control groups, the researchers used CD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients unrelated to NCWS or other food allergies/intolerances.
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Evaluation of extraintestinal symptoms in NCWS patients
Timeframe: Up to 15 years
Evaluation of extraintestinal symptoms in CD patients
Timeframe: Up to 15 years
Evaluation of extraintestinal symptoms in IBS patients unrelated to NCWS or other food allergies/intolerances.
Timeframe: Up to 15 years