INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is associated with atopy; however, recent studies have identified an association with food-specific immunoglobulin G₄ (FS-IgG₄) rather than immunoglobulin E antibodies. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum FS-IgG₄ in guiding an elimination diet and its outcomes. METHODS: Patients with and without EoE were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, single tertiary center trial. Serum FS-IgG₄ titers, esophageal eosinophil counts, and dysphagia symptom questionnaire scores were assessed, and participants with elevated FS-IgG₄ (ImmunoCAP, cutoff of 10 mgA/L) commenced 6-week targeted elimination diet. Repeat serum FS-IgG₄ and endoscopic and histologic examination were performed at 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with active EoE and 13 controls were recruited. Serum FS-IgG₄ to milk, wheat, soy, eggs, and nuts was significantly higher in EoE (P = 0.0002, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, P = 0.012, and P < 0.001, respectively). Elevated serum FS-IgG₄ to 1 or more food groups (median 2) was identified in 21/22 (95.4%) patients with EoE; 20/21 underwent 6-week dietary elimination. Median reductions in dysphagia symptom questionnaire score and EoE endoscopic reference score after elimination were 8 (P = 0.0007) and 1 (P = 0.002), respectively. Nine (45%) patients had histological remission (<15 eosinophils per high-power field). Fall in median esophageal eosinophil count was not statistically significant (50 vs 23; P = 0.068). Serum FS-IgG₄ did not decline by 6-week follow-up. DISCUSSION: Serum FS-IgG₄ to milk, wheat, soy, egg, and nuts was present at higher levels in EoE, with targeted elimination resulting in 45% histologic remission rate. Serum FS-IgG₄ has potential as a noninvasive biomarker in EoE. When successful, FS-IgG₄–led elimination diet can negate need for medications and be viewed more favorably by patients because of its smaller endoscopic burden compared with empirical elimination diets.

Background/Objectives: Late presentations of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) indicate a lack of detection of underlying cirrhosis and a need to identify clinical and socioeconomic risk factors contributing to early-stage HCC recognition. This study tested associations between early diagnostics of HCC and demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and healthcare-related indicators. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data accumulated between February 2018 and February 2024 was completed at a quaternary care centre (South Australia). Results: We identified 388 cases of newly diagnosed HCC during a six-year period. There were 131 (33.7%) patients with early-stage (Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage 0–A) and 257 (66.3%) patients with late-stage (BCLC B–D) HCC. Late-stage HCC was found in 66.3% of patients, with half of the cohort not having a diagnosis of cirrhosis at the time of HCC detection. A retrospectively calculated Fibrosis Index (FIB-4) of >3.25 was present in nearly half of patients with newly diagnosed HCC with no prior diagnosis of cirrhosis. Engagement with healthcare (p < 0.05), a history of liver cirrhosis (p < 0.001), and gastroenterologist-led care with surveillance programmes (p < 0.001) was associated with early-stage presentation and curative treatment. Late-stage HCC was associated with male sex (p = 0.041), failing to attend appointments (p < 0.001), and liver function tests ordered by general physicians (p = 0.002) or non-gastroenterologist specialists (p = 0.023). Logistic regression analysis indicated that engaging in a surveillance programme, assessment by a gastroenterologist, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were important factors contributing to early detection of HCC; the area under the curve for this model on the ROC analysis was 0.892 (95% CI 0.855–0.929). Conclusions: Better cirrhosis detection is required, given that 60% of patients had a retrospectively calculated FIB-4 > 3.25. Routine use of non-invasive scores by all healthcare providers may increase engagement with surveillance and improve HCC screening.

Educational value This case illustrates how a contemporary nutritional deficiency can mimic vasculitis, haemolysis and connective tissue disease, and reminds clinicians to take a deliberate dietary history when multi-system signs do not unify around a single organ-based diagnosis. Keywords: scurvy · malnutrition · vitamin C · nutritional deficiency Stage 1 — Initial presentation A previously […]