Coeliac Disease

Question 1

What is this describing?
Autoimmune disease in genetically susceptible individuals, in which gluten triggers inflammation and autoantibody production which damage villi of the small intestine.

Answer 1

Coeliac disease

Question 2

When does coeliac disease present?

Answer 2

1. Does not occur before weaning

2. Can present at any point after the introduction of gluten

Question 3

What is this a presentation of?
Diarrhoea/constipation/both, failure to thrive, abdominal pain, bloated abdomen, gluteal muscle wasting (late), iron deficiency anaemia.

Answer 3

Coeliac disease

Question 4

What conditions is coeliac disease associated with?

Answer 4

Type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism

Question 5

How is coeliac disease diagnosed?

Answer 5

1. IgA anti-tTG and total IgA
2. If IgA deficient, measure IgG anti-gliadin
3. Confirm by biopsy of small bowel showing villous atrophy

Question 6

What is the management for coeliac disease?

Answer 6

Lifelong gluten free diet

1. No bread, cake, pasta, pizza, pies
2. Rice, maize, soya, potatoes are okay