Goals: 

This study aimed to understand the neurocognitive symptoms associated with gluten exposure in individuals with self-reported celiac disease (CD) and nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

Background: 

While gluten-induced neurocognitive impairment (GINI; eg, “celiac fog” or “brain fog”) is commonly described by individuals with CD and NCGS, there are little data regarding the prevalence and symptoms associated with these experiences.

Study: 

A 9-question online survey was accessed by 1396 individuals (1143 with CD; 253 with NCGS). Forced choice and free-response questions were asked of participants to obtain a description of neurocognitive symptoms experienced after gluten ingestion. Free-response answers were coded using a coding structure developed based on the Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument.

Results: 

The majority of survey participants (89% of CD and 95% of NCGS) reported having GINI symptoms. When describing symptoms, the most common word descriptors for both groups were difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and grogginess. Timing of symptoms, including onset and symptom peak, were similar across the 2 groups. Coding of free responses found the most common references were to cognitive, physical, psychological, and overall quality of life impacts.

Conclusions: 

This survey suggests that GINI is common and may be severe in both individuals with CD and NCGS. Cognitive impairment and decline in physical functioning may be similar to that occurring in other illnesses, such as lupus. Clinical follow-up with both individuals with CD and NCGS should include assessment of GINI symptoms. Further research is warranted, including the development of a patient-reported outcome measure including neurocognitive effects of gluten exposure.

中文翻译：

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麸质引起的神经认知障碍：全国研究的结果

目标： 

本研究旨在了解自述患有乳糜泻 (CD) 和非乳糜泻麸质敏感性 (NCGS) 的个体与麸质暴露相关的神经认知症状。

背景： 

虽然患有 CD 和 NCGS 的个体通常描述麸质引起的神经认知障碍（GINI；例如“腹腔雾”或“脑雾”），但关于这些经历的患病率和症状的数据很少。

学习： 

1396 人参与了一项包含 9 个问题的在线调查（1143 人使用 CD；253 人使用 NCGS）。要求参与者提出强制选择和自由回答问题，以获得对摄入麸质后经历的神经认知症状的描述。自由回答的答案是使用基于健康相关生活质量工具开发的编码结构进行编码的。

结果： 

大多数调查参与者（89% 的 CD 和 95% 的 NCGS）报告有基尼系数症状。在描述症状时，两组最常见的词语描述都是难以集中注意力、健忘和昏昏沉沉。两组的症状发生时间（包括出现时间和症状峰值）相似。对自由回答的编码发现，最常见的参考是认知、身体、心理和整体生活质量影响。

结论： 

这项调查表明，基尼系数在 CD 和 NCGS 患者中都很常见，而且可能很严重。认知障碍和身体功能下降可能与其他疾病（例如狼疮）中发生的情况类似。对 CD 和 NCGS 患者的临床随访应包括对 GINI 症状的评估。需要进一步的研究，包括开发患者报告的结果测量，包括麸质暴露对神经认知的影响。