Review article

Coeliac disease – a retrospective and prospective view

Irena Barbarić ; Clinics for children's diseases, Clinical hospital Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Coeliac disease or gluten entheropathy is the lifelong gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein contained within some cereals (wheat, rye and barley). In some areas of the world coeliac disease affects about 1% of general population. The rate of patients recognized with celiac disease depends mostly on novel diagnostic serologic tests but also on the awareness of health care providers that unspecific and very different signs and symptoms can indicate the diagnosis of this disease. In genetically predisposed people, gluten damages the small bowel mucosa and impairs absorptive function which leads to malnutrition as a consequence of decreased calorie intake including minerals and vitamins. Currently, the only known therapy is gluten-free diet. The approach to coeliac patients must be holistic and multidisciplinary. In misrecognized patients or in patients who not follow gluten-free diet, serious complications can develop. Patients on gluten-free diet have the same complications rate as healthy people.

Keywords

coeliac disease; gluten; gluten entheropathy; gluten-free diet

Hrčak ID:

31392

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/31392

Publication date:

1.12.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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