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Sideropenic anemia as a predictor of celiac disease - case report

Tea Lujo ; Dom zdravlja Dubrovnik
Ino Kermc ; Dom zdavlja Zagreb centar
Danko Relić ; University of Zagreb School of Medicine
Venija Cerovečki ; University of Zagreb School of Medicine

Abstract

Celiac disease or gluten - sensitive enteropathy is an immune reaction to eating gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Epidemiologically, the average frequency of celiac disease in the United States is about 1%. Similar situation is observed in most European countries, although its prevalence in northern Europe is up to 3%. Gluten intake triggers immune response in the small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages small intestine’s lining thereby preventing the absorption of necessary nutrients (malabsorption). The result of intestinal damage is the onset of signs such as diarrhea, fatigue, bloating and weight loss. All of this can lead to severe complications. Signs and symptoms of the celiac disease can vary greatly according to age. Adults often have symptoms and signs that are not necessarily directly related to the intestinal tract. Anemia caused by iron deficiency is commonly considered in that group of signs. The goal of this case report is to provide insight into diagnosis and the course of disease in a young patient with sideropenic anemia as a predictor of the celiac disease. It is also important to highlight a wide spectrum of symptoms and variations in their expression, which makes the management of the disease also very diverse. Individual access to the patient, apart from the application of the given guidelines, is necessary as well as constant monitoring of the disease in which the family medicine physician has an exeptional and irreplaceable role.

Keywords

celiac disease; sideropenic anemia; family medicine

Hrčak ID:

212645

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/212645

Publication date:

13.12.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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