Recent advances in coeliac disease

Worldwide awareness of coeliac disease in all ages continues to grow. This article aims to summarize critically the recent research advances in coeliac disease.

Large multicentre studies have provided further evidence of the role of environmental and nonhuman leucocyte antigen genetic factors in coeliac disease. Siblings of coeliac patients carry a high risk, but those found to have negative coeliac serology are very unlikely to develop the disease. Advances in the efficacy of serological antibody testing potentiate the possibility of future accurate screening programmes in the community. Adherence to a gluten-free diet remains paramount as the recognition of coeliac related complications increases.

Despite the encouraging progress that has taken place in our genetic and immunological knowledge of coeliac disease, early introduction of a gluten-free diet remains the cornerstone of treatment. Alternatives, however, aimed at altering the toxicity of cereal proteins are now looking more promising.