Enfermedad celíaca

Abstract

Celiac disease (CD) is defined as a chronic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by gluten intake that affects genetically predisposed individuals. Its prevalence has increased in recent years (it is estimated to be around 1%), mainly due to increased implementation of screening of at-risk individuals and improved diagnostic tools. There is a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of CD, with a wide variety of presenting symptoms, both digestive and extra-digestive. When there is a clinical suspicion, the available diagnostic tools include a serology determination (high sensitivity and specificity) together with a genetic study and later histological confirmation with a duodenal biopsy. The only effective treatment for CD is the complete elimination of gluten from the diet. Proper training and education by healthcare professionals is very important in order to ensure good adherence to a gluten-free diet and to avoid associated long-term complications such as refractory CD or the development of intestinal lymphoma.