[Care of patients with celiac disease in adolescence and young adulthood]

60 patients suffering from coeliac disease were continuously cared for during a longer period. In these patients the diagnosis was established on the basis of the commonly used ESPGAN criteria in their childhood. Another biopsy was performed in adolescence and early adulthood. In 26 patients the diagnosis coeliac disease was confirmed. These patients are recommended to carry on keeping to a strict diet. 4 patients show a normal mucosa (type I) while following normal nutrition for more than 2 up to 5 years in adulthood although in their childhood the diagnosis of coeliac disease was established. While being put an a diet or following a short lasting normal nutrition, respectively, 17 patients have a morphologically intact mucosa of the small intestine, which is, however, in nearly all cases functionally damaged. In these patients the diagnosis is to be clarified definitely by means of a final biopsy of the small intestine after an at least 2-year-lasting exposition to gluten. 13 patients refused a biopsy in adulthood.