coeliakia
Coeliakia, or celiac disease, is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, prompts an immune response that damages the mucosa of the small intestine, leading to villous atrophy and malabsorption.
Most patients carry HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8; additional genetic and environmental factors influence onset. Autoreactive antibodies against
Clinical presentation varies by age. Children often have chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and failure to
Diagnosis relies on serology and histology. Screening uses IgA anti-tTG antibodies, with IgA measurement to assess
Management is lifelong gluten withdrawal. A strict gluten-free diet typically leads to symptom resolution and mucosal
Epidemiology: about 1% of the population in many regions; higher prevalence in individuals with a family history
Prognosis: with adherence to a gluten-free diet, prognosis is good for most, though some patients have persistent