NON-CELIAC GLUTEN/WHEAT SENSITIVITY (NCG/WS). A BRAZILIAN CASES SERIES.

BACKGROUND

Non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) is a varied disorder characterized by symptoms related to gluten intake, without celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy. In Brazil, data on patients with NCGWS remain limited.

Objectives

To describe the clinical, serological, and histopathological features of Brazilian patients diagnosed with NCGWS and to compare findings between sexes.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted using medical records of 36 patients diagnosed with NCGWS between 2015 and 2025 at a gastroenterology clinic in Curitiba, Brazil. Diagnosis was based on excluding CD and wheat allergy, clinical improvement after a gluten-free diet (GFD), and normal or Marsh I duodenal histology. Serology (anti-endomysium/anti-transglutaminase antibodies) and duodenal biopsies were analyzed. Symptoms, comorbidities, and demographic data were compared by sex.

RESULTS

Most patients were women (83.3%). All had negative CD serology. Duodenal biopsies showed Marsh 0 (80% of females, 100% of males) or Marsh I changes. Gastrointestinal symptoms included flatulence, abdominal distension, and reflux; diarrhea was more common in males (P=0.0017). All patients reported symptom improvement after two months on a GFD.

CONCLUSION

In this Brazilian cohort, NCGWS was more frequent in women. Accurate diagnosis relies on histological, serological, and especially thorough clinical evaluation. Multidisciplinary follow-up and personalized dietary guidance are vital for optimal patient outcomes.