Presentation and Knowledge of Celiac Disease

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Two recent JPGN articles from the same researchers highlight changes in presentation and deficits of knowledge with celiac disease (CD). Interestingly, the authors chose to spell celiac disease differently in the two articles.

P Riznik et al. JPGN 2021; 72: 546-551. Clinical Presentation in Children With Coeliac Disease in Central Europe.

This retrospective study included data from 653 children and adolescents (median age 7 years 2 months; 63.9% girls) from Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Slovenia were available for the analysis. Key findings:

  • One fifth (N = 134) of all children were asymptomatic.
  • In symptomatic children, the most common leading symptom was abdominal pain (33.3%), followed by growth retardation (13.7%) and diarrhoea (13.3%). Many children (47.6%; N = 247) were polysymptomatic.
  • Symptoms and signs of malabsorption (eg. diarrhea and distention) were significantly more common in younger (P < 0.001)

P Riznik et al. JPGN 2021; 72: 552-557 The Knowledge About Celiac Disease Among Healthcare Professionals and Patients in Central Europe

This study surveyed 1381 HCPs and 2262 patients with CD. Key findings.

  • Overall knowledge of CD was considered poor. Scores on web-based questionnaire were 51% for HCPs, 56% for patients, and 69% for patients
  • The authors recommend an EU e-learning program, for patients and HCPs: Celiac Facts Focus IN CD. This site has information/video course specific for patients. Celiac Facts for Patients

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