Clinical management of coeliac disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of Coeliac disease (CD) and its clinical management.

METHODS

Narrative review.

RESULTS

Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder that primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recent data suggest a prevalence of about 1% in most Western countries, a figure that likely represents an increase in the prevalence of CD. Risk groups include those who are members of families with individuals who have CD as well as those with Type I diabetes and a variety of autoimmune diseases. Whereas biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosis, serological tests are crucial in determining who should undergo endoscopy and biopsy. HLA testing should be used only to rule out CD. Currently, a gluten-free diet is the only available therapy.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, CD is one of the most common immune-mediated disorders in the Western world. It should be considered in patients with a number of varying GI and non-GI symptoms, as well as in high-risk groups that include first-degree relatives.