Coeliac Disease Flashcards
What is coeliac disease?
A sensitivity to the alpha-gliaden component of gluten which causes inflammation and atrophy of the villous of the small intestine which leads to reduced surface area for absorption.
What inherited gene causes coeliac disease?
DQw2
What are the SIGNS of villous atrophy in adults and children?
Adults:
Subclinical
Oral aphthae/ulcers
Malabsorption (deficiency of haematinics)
Children = hindered growth.
What is the danger of subclinical coeliac disease?
If left untreated the persistent inflammation can lead to a lymphoma developing.
What are the SYMPTOMS of coeliac disease in both adults and children?
Adults: None Occasionally; Weight loss diarrhoea weakness Aphthae
Children:
Reduced growth.
Malabsorption of which substances cause the most issues?
Iron
Folate
Vit B12
Fat
List the investigations carried out to diagnose Coeliac disease.
Jejuna biopsy via endoscope or capsule - before and after removing gluten from the diet.
Measuring heamatinics: Ferritin, Vit B12 and folate
Measuring auto antibodies - Serum transglutaminase and anti-gliaden.
Faecal fat
What 2 autoantibodies are measured in diagnosis of coeliac disease?
Serum transglutaminase and anti-gliaden
What does a deficiency in more than 1 haematinic indicate?
Malabsorption from bowel disease
What is the downside of the autoantibody test?
It is very sensitive so can give false positive readings.
Therefore those who test positive for the autoantibody are then further tested.
What is the treatment for coeliac patients?
Gluten free diet.
What are the benefits of a gluten free diet for a coeliac patient?
Reduces the jejunal atrophy
Reduces the risk of developing a lymphoma.
What skin condition is associated with coeliac disease? what causes it?
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Granular IgA deposits in the skin and mucosa
A sensitivity to what specific substances causes coeliac disease?
Alpha gliaden component of gluten
