Coeliac Disease Flashcards
What conditions can be linked with coeliac disease?
Other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetics and thyroid disease
What do the autoantibodies in coeliac disease attack?
Epithelial cells of the small intestine
What are antibodies in coeliac disease made in response to?
Gluten
What are the 2 main antibodies related to coeliacs?
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-TTG)
Anti-endomysial antibodies (anti-EMA)
Where does inflammation occur in coeliac disease?
Small bowel particularly the jejunum
How does coeliac disease result in malabsorption?
The autoantibodies cause inflammation and atrophy of the intestinal villi
What skin condition can be seen in coeliac disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Itchy blistering skin rash particularly on the abdomen
What can occur secondary to malabsorption in coeliac disease?
Anaemia
Deficiency of iron, b12 or folate
What symptoms are seen in coeliac disease?
Failure to thrive in young children
Diarrhoea
Bloating
Fatigue
Weight loss
Mouth ulcers
What rare neurological symptoms can be seen in coeliac disease?
Peripheral neuropathy
Cerebellar ataxia
Epilepsy
What are the first line blood tests for coeliac disease? And what is the main condition of investigation?
Total immunoglobulin A levels (to exclude IgA deficiency)
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-TTG)
Patient must continue eating gluten
What is a second line investigation for coeliac disease?
Anti-endomysial antibodies (anti-EMA)
What are the typical biopsy findings in coeliac disease?
Crypt hyperplasia
Villous atrophy
What tests are run to confirm coeliac disease after a positive antibody test?
Endoscopy and jejunal biopsy
What is the management of coeliac disease?
Lifelong gluten free diet
Dietician input
Coeliac antibodies can be used to help monitor the disease
