Celiac disease

Celiac disease

01 March 2006 | Wolfgang Holtmeier* and Wolfgang F Caspary
Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disorder triggered by gluten intolerance, leading to immune-mediated enteropathy, malabsorption, and nutrient deficiencies. It is characterized by flat jejunal mucosa and lymphocytic infiltration. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Prevalence varies from 1:270 in Finland to 1:5000 in North America, but many cases are asymptomatic or atypical. Diagnosis requires endoscopy with jejunal biopsy and tissue-transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies. Management involves lifelong gluten-free diet, leading to clinical and histological improvement. However, full histological recovery may take years. Celiac disease is associated with autoimmune conditions and increased cancer risk, particularly in untreated patients. Diagnosis should consider clinical, serological, and histological findings. Newer antibody tests, such as tTG and EMA, are more sensitive and specific than older methods. Gluten-free diets are essential for managing the disease, and oats may be used cautiously due to potential contamination. Genetic factors, particularly HLA-DQ2/DQ8, play a significant role in susceptibility. The exact cause remains unclear, but immune-mediated mechanisms are suspected. Research continues to explore new treatments and diagnostic approaches. Celiac disease is a complex condition with various forms, including latent and potential disease, and requires careful management to prevent long-term complications.Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disorder triggered by gluten intolerance, leading to immune-mediated enteropathy, malabsorption, and nutrient deficiencies. It is characterized by flat jejunal mucosa and lymphocytic infiltration. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Prevalence varies from 1:270 in Finland to 1:5000 in North America, but many cases are asymptomatic or atypical. Diagnosis requires endoscopy with jejunal biopsy and tissue-transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies. Management involves lifelong gluten-free diet, leading to clinical and histological improvement. However, full histological recovery may take years. Celiac disease is associated with autoimmune conditions and increased cancer risk, particularly in untreated patients. Diagnosis should consider clinical, serological, and histological findings. Newer antibody tests, such as tTG and EMA, are more sensitive and specific than older methods. Gluten-free diets are essential for managing the disease, and oats may be used cautiously due to potential contamination. Genetic factors, particularly HLA-DQ2/DQ8, play a significant role in susceptibility. The exact cause remains unclear, but immune-mediated mechanisms are suspected. Research continues to explore new treatments and diagnostic approaches. Celiac disease is a complex condition with various forms, including latent and potential disease, and requires careful management to prevent long-term complications.
Reach us at info@study.space