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The Effect of Enzyme Therapy on Skin Symptoms and Immune Responses in Patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis2
Twenty adult patients with dermatitis herpetiformis in clinical remission were randomized to receive two placebo tablets (n=10) or two GluteGuard® tablets (n=10) three times daily for 14 days while being challenged with 6 grams of gluten and maintaining their regular gluten-free diet. GluteGuard® and matching placebo tablets were taken immediately prior to consuming gluten in the form of commercial wheat biscuits at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This trial focused on skin indicators rather than relying solely on subjective symptoms reported by participants. Symptoms and signs of skin involvement were recorded and graded at the start of the trial, after seven days on the gluten challenge, and again after 14 days. Blood samples taken at the start and finish of the trial were assayed for IgA endomysial (IgA EmA) and anti-gliadin antibodies.
Patients who received GluteGuard® had a significant reduction of the area of skin lesions compared to the placebo group.
After 14 days, 90% of the GluteGuard® patients completed the challenge (vs. 40% in the placebo group)
After 7 days, the major symptoms associated with DH were more severe and more common in the placebo group compared with the GluteGuard® group. As a result, 60% of the placebo group abandoned the gluten challenge due to the severity of symptoms.
The mean scores for area of skin symptoms were significantly reduced in the GluteGuard® group (p=0.02).
No adverse effects from GluteGuard® were recorded during the trial.
GluteGuard® can be used as a safeguard for patients with DH on a nominal gluten free diet, providing symptom relief of skin lesions.
This product is not intended to treat or prevent celiac or dermatitis herpetiformis disease.
GluteGuard® is indicated to protect against the symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion. Consult the warnings, precautions, and user instructions for information to help you assess the risks and benefits. This information is also available by contacting us at 1-877-595-2364. Always direct the patient to read the label.
The Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Symptoms and Duodenal Histology in Celiac Patients1
2. Żebrowska, A., Cornell, H.J., Macrae, F.A., Sysa‐Jędrzejowska, A., Waszczykowska, E., & Stelmasiak, T. (2014). The Effect of Enzyme Therapy on Skin Symptoms and Immune Responses in Patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis. International Journal of Celiac Disease, 2, 58-63.
