coeliac disease

Question 1

what is coeliac disease?

Answer 1

autoimmune disease-that affects the small bowel and leads to malabsorption

Question 2

what is the main function of the small intestine?

Answer 2

absorption

duodenum-iron
jejunum-folate
ileum-b12 absorption

Question 3

what is someone with coeliac disease sensitive to?

Answer 3

alpha gliaden component of gluten

Question 4

what should you consider if oral ulceration is seen?

Answer 4

coeliac disease

Question 5

what are symptoms of coeliac disease?

Answer 5

-weightloss
-weakness
-oral ulceration
-diarrhoea
-loss of tongue papillae
-iron and folate deficiency

Question 6

what malabsorption issues are seen in coeliac pateints?

Answer 6

-iron
-b12
-folate
-fat

Question 7

what are the investigations for coeliac disease?

Answer 7

-check haematinic levels
-autoantibody test
-jejnunal endoscopy
-faecal fat- increased if malabsorption

Question 8

what would happen if someone with coeliac cut out gluten?

Answer 8

-full restoration of jejunum- meaning absorption is restored

Question 9

how do you treat coeliac disease?

Answer 9

-gluten free diet
-bisphosphonates (osteoporosis complication of untreated CD)

Question 10

what causes pernicious anaemia?

Answer 10

due to vit b12 deficiency

Question 11

b12 deficiency treatment?

Answer 11

-increased in diet
-supplements
-IM injections 3 monthly if no GI absorption

Question 12

how do antibodies affect the juedenum?

Answer 12

ab’s attack the jejunum mucosa- will lose villous projections and reduce the surface area of the jejunum for absorption

Question 13

what is coeliac disease associated with?

Answer 13

skin disease- dermatitis herpetiformis
-oral ulceration
-skin blisters

Question 14

what can cause vit b12 deficiency ?

Answer 14

-diet- low dairy/meat -vegans at risk
-gastric parietal cells unable to make intrinsic factor - GI problem
-chrons disease-ileum (b12 absorption site)
-bowel cancer