Celiac disease

Evidence: Antibody

Name

Description

Patient Groups

Celiac disease
Coeliac disease
Celiac sprue
Gluten-induced enteropathy
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy
Nontropical sprue

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that results in damage and loss of function to the small intestine. Disease onset is generally triggered by the consumption of foods containing gluten. CD is also shown to be heritable in a number of patients. Damage results when components of gluten proteins activate immune cells that attack the small projections (villi) lining the small intestine. There are 6 types of CD:

Classic/Intestinal: This type often is diagnosed by the age of 3. All ages of pediatric patients often experience digestive problems, stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, whereas adults usually experience constipation and indigestion.
Non-classic/Extraintestinal: Patients with this type normally have nutritional deficiency, which leads to bone loss, lack of growth, tooth problems, and nerve damage.
Subclinical: Individuals with this type have milder symptoms that are improved when gluten is eliminated from the diet. Diagnosis is often accidental through dietary experimentation or routine blood work.
Refractory: Patients with this type are chronically symptomatic despite eliminating gluten from their diet for a year or more. Ulcers, lesions, and lymphoma may result in the small intestine.
Seronegative: This type is diagnosed in individuals who show the symptoms of CD but whose blood work tests negative for the condition.
Gluten free diet non-responsive: Individuals with this type show no improvement after following a gluten free diet for at least one year. Symptoms are consistent with CD but may also include other disorders that produce similar symptoms.

CD is generally treated by eliminating gluten from the diet. Patients with an early diagnosis and who show improvement from dietary restrictions can expect to lead full and productive lives. However, late diagnosis, failure to adhere to a gluten free diet, or lack of improvement from dietary restrictions can lead to complications, including cancer and problems with the spleen.

Celiac Disease Foundation