[Incidence of celiac disease in Vizcaya]

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent gluten-sensitive enteropathy appearing in individuals genetcally predisposed. Its incidence varies according to the authors, but is situated about 1/1.500 alive newborn infants (ANI). Recently, a decreased in the incidence of the disease as well as a delay in the onset of symptoms have been reported in several countries. The incidence of the disease in Spain is unknown so we have studied it in our population. In the period 1976-1987, 117 patients were suspected to have CD in the different centers performing intestinal biopsies in Vizcaya. Diagnosis was confirmed in 87 cases, thus implying an incidence of 1/2.151 ANI. Age onset has been stable along the years, and most cases continue to be diagnosed during the first 2 years of life.