1.
Gluten and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Croall, ID, Hoggard, N, Hadjivassiliou, M
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
An expanding body of literature is examining connections between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dietary interventions. While a number of specialist diets have been suggested as beneficial in ASD, gluten has received particularly close attention as a potentially exacerbating factor. Reports exist suggesting a beneficial effect of the gluten-free diet (GFD) in ameliorating behavioural and intellectual problems associated with ASD, while epidemiological research has also shown a comorbidity between ASD and coeliac disease. However, both caregivers and clinicians have expressed an uncertainty of the value of people with ASD going gluten-free, and as the GFD otherwise receives considerable public attention a discussion which focuses specifically on the interaction between ASD and gluten is warranted. In this review we discuss the historical context of ASD and gluten-related studies, and expand this to include an overview of epidemiological links, hypotheses of shared pathological mechanisms, and ultimately the evidence around the use and adoption of the GFD in people with ASD.
2.
How to manage adult coeliac disease: perspective from the NHS England Rare Diseases Collaborative Network for Non-Responsive and Refractory Coeliac Disease.
Baggus, EMR, Hadjivassiliou, M, Cross, S, Penny, H, Urwin, H, Watson, S, Woodward, JM, Sanders, DS
Frontline gastroenterology. 2020;(3):235-242
Abstract
Adult coeliac disease (CD) affects approximately 1% of the population. Most patients diagnosed will respond to a gluten-free diet; however, up to 30% may have persisting symptoms. Such patients may have ongoing issues associated with adherence, non-responsive CD or refractory CD. This article provides a clinical overview of how to manage this group of patients with persisting symptoms, including an investigational algorithm and details of how to contact the National Health Service England Rare Diseases Collaborative Network for Non-Responsive and Refractory Coeliac Disease. We hope this will be a valuable source of contemporary information for all UK gastroenterologists and internationally.
3.
Treatment of Neurological Manifestations of Gluten Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease.
Zis, P, Hadjivassiliou, M
Current treatment options in neurology. 2019;(3):10
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this paper was to overview the current literature in order to establish the available treatment options for the neurological manifestations of gluten-related disorders (serologically confirmed gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease). RECENT FINDINGS A range of debilitating neurological manifestations is increasingly being recognized in patients with gluten sensitivity with and without enteropathy even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Ataxia is the commonest neurological manifestation, followed by peripheral neuropathy. Epilepsy, headache, encephalopathy, various movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and muscle disorders have also been linked to gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease and are discussed in this review. Strict gluten-free diet is an effective first-line treatment of the neurological manifestations of gluten-related disorders. Very few patients will require additional immunosuppressive treatment usually in the form of mycophenolate.