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Non-celiac Wheat SensitivityNCT03022513

Fibromyalgia-like Joint/Muscle Pain and Synovitis in Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity Patients

A study testing Gluten free diet in people with Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity, run by University of Palermo at 2 sites in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Recently it has been reported that a consistent percentage of the general population consider themselves to be suffering from problems caused by wheat and/or gluten ingestion, even though they do not have CD or wheat allergy. This clinical condition has been named Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity' (NCGS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity
What is being tested?
Gluten free diet
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
150 participants
Where
2 sitesItaly
Study dates
1 Mar 2018to 1 Mar 2020
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • All the patients met the recently proposed criteria:
  • negative serum anti-tissue transglutaminase and antiendomysium (EmA) immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG antibodies
  • absence of intestinal villous atrophy
  • IgE-mediated immunoallergic tests negative to wheat and cow's milk protein (skin prick tests and/or serum specific IgE detection).
  • Adjunctive criteria adopted in our patients were:
  • resolution of the gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms on a standard elimination diet, without wheat, cow's milk, egg, tomato, chocolate, or other food(s) causing self-reported symptoms
  • symptom reappearance on double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) wheat challenge, performed as described previously. DBPC cow's milk protein challenge will be also performed to diagnose cow's milk protein allergy.

Who cannot join

  • age <18 years
  • positive EmA in the culture medium of the duodenal biopsies, even if the villi to crypts ratio in the duodenal mucosa was normal
  • self-exclusion of wheat from the diet and refusal to reintroduce it before entering the study
  • other organic gastrointestinal diseases
  • previously diagnosed rheumatic diseases
  • nervous system disease and/or major psychiatric disorder
  • physical impairment limiting physical activity
  • menopause; steroid and sex steroid therapy, hormone replacement therapy or ovariectomy.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Italy2 sites
  • Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Palermo

    Palermo, 90129

  • Department of Internal Medicine, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital of Sciacca

    Sciacca, Agrigento, 92019

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Recently it has been reported that a consistent percentage of the general population consider themselves to be suffering from problems caused by wheat and/or gluten ingestion, even though they do not have CD or wheat allergy. This clinical condition has been named Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity' (NCGS). In a previous paper the investigators suggested the term 'Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity' (NCWS), since it is not known what component of wheat causes the symptoms in NCGS patients, and the investigators also showed that these patients had a high frequency of coexistent multiple food hypersensitivity. The clinical picture of NCWS is characterized by combined gastrointestinal (bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, nausea, epigastric pain, gastroesophageal reflux, aphthous stomatitis) and extra-intestinal and/or systemic manifestations (headache, depression, anxiety, 'foggy mind,' tiredness, dermatitis or skin rash, fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain, leg or arm numbness, and anemia). Nowadays no data are available on the characteristic of 'rheumatologic' symptoms of NCWS patients. Therefore, the aims of the present study are: 1) to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patient, 2) to search for possible ultrasonographic alterations (i.e. synovitis) of hands and feet joints of NCWS patients, and 3) to evaluate modification of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patients after a gluten free diet period of almost 6 months.

Read the detailed description

Recently it has been reported that a consistent percentage of the general population consider themselves to be suffering from problems caused by wheat and/or gluten ingestion, even though they do not have CD or wheat allergy. This clinical condition has been named Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity' (NCGS). In a previous paper the investigators suggested the term 'Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity' (NCWS), since it is not known what component of wheat causes the symptoms in NCGS patients, and the investigators also showed that these patients had a high frequency of coexistent multiple food hypersensitivity. CD is an immunological disorder whose best-known manifestations are gastrointestinal symptoms. However, early joint manifestations are common and frequently overlooked features of the disease. Similarly, the clinical picture of NCWS is characterized by combined gastrointestinal (bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, nausea, epigastric pain, gastroesophageal reflux, aphthous stomatitis) and extra-intestinal and/or systemic manifestations (headache, depression, anxiety, 'foggy mind,' tiredness, dermatitis or skin rash, fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain, leg or arm numbness, and anemia). Nowadays no data are available on the characteristic of 'rheumatological' symptoms of NCWS patients. Therefore, the aims of the present study are: 1) to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patient, 2) to search for possible ultrasonographical alterations (i.e. synovitis) of hands and feet joints of NCWS patients, and 3) to evaluate modification of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patients after a gluten free diet period of almost 6 months.

Being tested
Gluten free diet
Keywords
Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity, fibromyalgia, synovitis
Medical subject headings
Fibromyalgia, Synovitis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Gluten free dietOther

    The investigators will evaluate the prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain and the possible ultrasonographical alterations (i.e. synovitis) of hands and feet joints in NCWS patient at baseline (i.e. at the moment of diagnosis) and after a gluten free diet period of almost 6 months.

Study groups in NCT03022513
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
NCWS patientsActive comparatorFifty consecutive adult patients with an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like clinical presentation, according to Rome III criteria, and a definitive diagnosis of NCWS. The patients will be recruited between January 2017 and January 2018 at 2 centers: the Department of Internal Medicine at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy, and the Department of Internal Medicine of the Hospital of Sciacca, Agrigento, Italy. All subjects will undergo clinical evaluation and hands and feet joints ultrasonography at the Rheumatology Unit of the University of Palermo, Italy.
Receives: Other: Gluten free diet
CD patientsNo interventionFifty sex- and age-matched subjects with CD, diagnosed according to standard criteria during the same study period and enrolled, at the same 2 centers, as first control group. All subjects will undergo clinical evaluation and hands and feet joints ultrasonography at the Rheumatology Unit of the University of Palermo, Italy.
IBS patientsNo interventionFifty sex- and age-matched subjects with IBS unrelated to NCWS or other food 'intolerance', diagnosed according to standard criteria during the same study period and enrolled, at the same 2 centers, as second control group. All subjects will undergo clinical evaluation and hands and feet joints ultrasonography at the Rheumatology Unit of the University of Palermo.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patients

    Prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patient using an ad hoc questionnaire and orientated clinical examination (tenders and triggers point evaluation)

    Measured: up to 12 months

  2. Hands and feet joints ultrasonography alterations

    Hands and feet joints ultrasonography alterations in NCWS patients.

    Measured: up to 12 months

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Modification of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patients after gluten free diet

    Modification of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain, by visual analogic scale, in NCWS patients after a gluten free diet period of almost 6 months.

    Measured: up to 12 months

  2. Modifications of hands and feet joints ultrasonography alterations in NCWS patients after gluten free diet

    Modifications of hands and feet joints ultrasonography alterations in NCWS patients after a gluten free diet period of almost 6 months.

    Measured: up to 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jan 2017 (estimated)
  2. Study start1 Mar 2018
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2018
  4. Study completion1 Mar 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
150 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03022513
Sponsor's protocol ID
ACPM13
Status last verified
Apr 2020
First submitted
30 Dec 2016
Last updated
28 Apr 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Carroccio A, Mansueto P, Iacono G, Soresi M, D'Alcamo A, Cavataio F, Brusca I, Florena AM, Ambrosiano G, Seidita A, Pirrone G, Rini GB. Non-celiac wheat sensitivity diagnosed by double-blind placebo-controlled challenge: exploring a new clinical entity. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Dec;107(12):1898-906; quiz 1907. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2012.236. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

    PubMed 22825366
  • Mansueto P, Seidita A, D'Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: literature review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014;33(1):39-54. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.869996.

    PubMed 24533607
  • Carroccio A, Rini G, Mansueto P. Non-celiac wheat sensitivity is a more appropriate label than non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gastroenterology. 2014 Jan;146(1):320-1. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.08.061. Epub 2013 Nov 22. No abstract available.

    PubMed 24275240
  • Carroccio A, D'Alcamo A, Mansueto P. Nonceliac wheat sensitivity in the context of multiple food hypersensitivity: new data from confocal endomicroscopy. Gastroenterology. 2015 Mar;148(3):666-7. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.11.047. Epub 2015 Jan 24. No abstract available.

    PubMed 25625764
  • Carroccio A, Soresi M, D'Alcamo A, Sciume C, Iacono G, Geraci G, Brusca I, Seidita A, Adragna F, Carta M, Mansueto P. Risk of low bone mineral density and low body mass index in patients with non-celiac wheat-sensitivity: a prospective observation study. BMC Med. 2014 Nov 28;12:230. doi: 10.1186/s12916-014-0230-2.

    PubMed 25430806
  • Mansueto P, Seidita A, D'Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Role of FODMAPs in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nutr Clin Pract. 2015 Oct;30(5):665-82. doi: 10.1177/0884533615569886. Epub 2015 Feb 18.

    PubMed 25694210

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Gluten free diet in people with Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity, run by University of Palermo at 2 sites in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Apr 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Prevalence of fibromyalgia-like joint/muscle pain in NCWS patients (time frame: up to 12 months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03022513, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Apr 2020.

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