Previous research has found that gluten sensitive enteropathy, a collective term that includes celiac disease and its skin manifestation, dermatitis herpetiformis, is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Now, an analysis of that research shows just how close the association may be.

A group of researchers examined 31 estimates of the association between diagnosed gluten sensitive enteropathy and NHL. The presence of gluten sensitive enteropathy was indicated by serology and biopsy, serology alone, or medical notes.

Based on their analysis, the researchers found a “pooled estimate” of 4.42 increased risk of NHL among those diagnosed with gluten sensitive enteropathy. “At this level, one in 2,000 persons with gluten-sensitive enteropathy develops NHL,” the researchers said.

The study also noted that research has indicated a possible link between gluten sensitive enteropathy and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, as well as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The researchers suggested a larger population-based study to examine these connections.

For more on this study, read the abstract.