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[Celiac disease in adults].
Z Ozdemir1, O N Jensen, A Malchow-Møller
1Medicinsk afdeling, Sygehus Fyn, Svendborg.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|March 9, 2000
Summary
Coeliac disease (CD) affects about 1 in 300 people and is diagnosed via antibody tests and duodenal biopsies. A gluten-free diet is an effective treatment, reducing symptoms and cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Context:
- Coeliac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder in Western countries, affecting approximately 1 in 300 individuals.
- The clinical presentation of CD is highly variable, with classic symptoms like steatorrhoea and weight loss occurring in less than half of patients.
- Elevated levels of gliadin (IgA and IgG) and endomysial (IgA) antibodies are key indicators for suspecting CD.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic criteria for coeliac disease.
- To describe the recommended treatment and its impact on patient outcomes and malignancy risk.
- To suggest screening recommendations for at-risk populations.
Summary:
- Coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis relies on serological markers (gliadin and endomysial antibodies) and confirmed by histological examination of duodenal biopsies during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- The primary treatment for CD is a strict gluten-free diet, which typically leads to rapid symptom resolution and eliminates the increased risk of small bowel malignancy.
- Screening for CD is advised in first-degree relatives and individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Impact:
- Early diagnosis and adherence to a gluten-free diet significantly improve patient quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
- Effective management of CD mitigates the associated risk of gastrointestinal complications, including malignancy.
- Targeted screening can facilitate earlier detection in high-risk groups, preventing disease progression and associated morbidity.