Clinical, biochemical and histological abnormalities in adult celiac patients on gluten-free diet.

Abstract

Twenty-six adult patients with histologically confirmed celiac disease on gluten-free diet after apparent disease remission were reexamined at 4-6 months intervals for a mean period of 55.4 months (range 13-137). Eight patients remained clinically well with normal blood tests. Eighteen patients had clinical or biological abnormalities. Eleven patients reported repeated episodes of meteorism and abdominal pain and/or diarrhea which disappeared in 2 after lactose withdrawal. Iron deficiency and macrocytic anemia were sometimes observed in 5 and 4 patients respectively. Altered plasma calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase and/or bone densitometry findings were detected in 7 patients. Seventeen patients (12 presenting some of the above findings) agreed to a repeat biopsy: 13 of these showed grade II and 4 grade III abnormalities. Although adult celiac patients may show marked improvement during gluten-free diet, minor clinical disturbances and biochemical abnormalities may still be present.

• Authors: M T Bardella, N Molteni, M Quatrini, P Velio, T Ranzi, P A Bianchi
• Journal: Gastroenterologie clinique et biologique (Gastroenterol Clin Biol) Vol. 9 Issue 11 Pg. 787-9 (Nov 1985) ISSN: 0399-8320 [Print] France
• PMID: 4085741 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Celiac Disease (blood, diagnosis, diet therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Jejunum (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged