Review article
Celiac Disease in Adults
Silvija Čuković-Čavka
; KBC Zagreb
Marija Crnčević Urek
; KBC Zagreb
Marko Brinar
; KBC Zagreb
Nikša Turk
; KBC Zagreb
Abstract
Celiac disease is a frequent chronic autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 % of the population in the Western hemisphere. It is characterized by an abnormal response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The disease has various clinical manifestations and serious complications can occur if left untreated. It can develop at any point in time during life. Intestinal biopsy with confirmation of mucosal atrophy is the gold standard in diagnosing adult celiac disease, but serologic tests (anti-endomysial antibody, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody) provide an effective first step in identifying biopsy candidates. Serologic testing and biopsy should be done before initiating a gluten-free diet. A lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only available treatment. Patient education is crucial to successful treatment. Patients with untreated celiac disease have greater health risks than those who adhere to this treatment. Besides celiac disease, there are two forms of gluten-related diseases: wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity. Due to pathogenic differences, it is very important to properly diagnose various forms of gluten-related disorders.
Keywords
celiac disease; gluten; anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody; anti-endomysial antibody; gluten-free diet; patient education
Hrčak ID:
101973
URI
Publication date:
18.4.2013.
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