Fragilidades no cuidado em saúde às pessoas com desordens relacionadas ao glúten / Weaknesses in healthcare for persons with gluten-related disorders / Fragilidades en el cuidado de salud de personas con desórdenes relacionados al gluten

As desordens relacionadas ao glúten (DRG) afetam de 1% a 6% da população, com complicações e alto risco de morbimortalidade em curto e longo prazos. Desde 2009, o Brasil possui um Protocolo Clínico de Diretrizes Terapêuticas para a Doença Celíaca, entretanto, são comuns as queixas das pessoas com DRG a respeito da falta de conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde nessa temática e das dificuldades relacionadas ao cuidado em saúde em relação tanto ao diagnóstico quanto ao tratamento. Este estudo objetivou compreender as fragilidades no cuidado em saúde percebidas por pessoas com DRG. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa virtual no grupo Viva Sem Glúten (VSG), da rede social Facebook, na qual foram consultados os registros armazenados no grupo por 65 meses, que totalizaram 510 postagens e seus respectivos comentários. Os dados foram agrupados em categorias, e foi realizada análise temática de conteúdo, adotando-se os referenciais teóricos sobre o cuidado em saúde. A análise revelou que as buscas por um diagnóstico e por tratamento adequado frequentemente são descritas como uma peregrinação, sendo decorrentes das fragilidades no cuidado em saúde, traduzidas pela falta de conhecimento atualizado dos profissionais sobre as DRG e por problemas na relação profissional-paciente. As fragilidades no cuidado em saúde e os diagnósticos tardios contribuem para aumentar o risco de complicações e óbitos. Nesse contexto, o grupo VSG se destaca em seu papel de grupo de apoio e rede de solidariedade, favorecendo o esclarecimento e o empoderamento de inúmeras pessoas com DRG.

Gluten-related disorders affect 1% to 6% of the population, with complications and high risk of short and long-term morbidity and mortality. Since 2009, Brazil has a Clinical Protocol of Therapeutic Guidelines for Celiac Disease, but there are frequent complaints by persons with gluten-related disorders concerning the lack of healthcare professionals' knowledge of this topic and the difficulties related to healthcare, for both diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to understand the weaknesses in healthcare perceived by persons with gluten-related disorders. An online qualitative survey was conducted in the Living Without Gluten group on Facebook, consulting the records saved by the group for 65 months, which totaled 510 posts and the respective comments. The data were grouped in categories, and thematic content analysis was performed, adopting the theoretical references on healthcare. The analysis revealed that the searches for diagnosis and adequate treatment were often described as a forced pilgrimage, resulting from shortcomings in healthcare, including lack of up-to-date knowledge on gluten-related disorders among the healthcare professionals and problems in the physician-patient relationship. Weaknesses in patient care and late diagnoses contribute to increasing the risk of complications and deaths. In this context, the Living Without Gluten group plays a leading role as a support group and network of solidarity, favoring increased awareness and empowerment of numerous Brazilians with gluten-related disorders.

Los desórdenes relacionados al gluten afectan de 1% a 6% de la población, con complicaciones y alto riesgo de morbimortalidad en corto y largo plazos. Desde 2009, Brasil posee un Protocolo Clínico de Directrices Terapéuticas para la Enfermedad Celíaca, sin embargo, son comunes las quejas de las personas con desórdenes relacionados al gluten, respecto a la falta de conocimiento de los profesionales de salud en esa temática y las dificultades relacionadas con el cuidado en salud, en relación tanto con el diagnóstico como con el tratamiento. Este estudio se marcó como objetivo comprender las fragilidades en el cuidado en salud percibidas por personas con desórdenes relacionados al gluten. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa virtual en el grupo Vivir Sin Gluten (VSG) de la red social Facebook, en la que se consultaron los registros almacenados en el grupo durante 65 meses, que totalizaron 510 posts y sus respectivos comentarios. Los datos se agruparon en categorías y se realizó un análisis temático de contenido, adoptándose los referenciales teóricos sobre el cuidado en salud. El análisis reveló que las búsquedas de un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado frecuentemente se describen como una peregrinación, siendo derivados de las fragilidades en el cuidado en salud, traducidas por la falta de conocimiento actualizado de los profesionales sobre las desórdenes relacionados al gluten y por problemas en la relación profesional-paciente. Las fragilidades en el cuidado en salud y los diagnósticos tardíos contribuyen a aumentar el riesgo de complicaciones y óbitos. En este contexto el grupo VSG se destaca en su papel de grupo de apoyo y red de solidaridad, favoreciendo la información y el empoderamiento de innumerables personas con desórdenes relacionados al gluten.

Excess weight and gastrointestinal symptoms in a group of autistic children / Excesso de peso e sintomas gastrintestinais em um grupo de crianças autistas

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status and gastrointestinal changes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of 39 children with ASD aged between three and ten years old, registered in the participating association. Nutritional status was evaluated by body mass index/age and weight/age, according to the guidelines from the World Health Organization. In order to investigate whether gastrointestinal alterations occurred, the interviewees answered a questionnaire about the presence of these symptoms within the last 30 days. In order to evaluate food consumption, a 24-hour recall questionnaire was applied and the food reported were grouped as: gluten sources, casein and ultra-processed sources. For the statistical analysis, Epi-Info software version 7.2 was used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables associated with gastrointestinal alterations. Results: There was a high prevalence of overweight children with autism spectrum disorder (64.1%). No child was underweight. Thirty-four children (84.2%) had gastrointestinal symptoms. Consumption of gluten was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (β=0.38; 95%CI 0.07-0.75; p=0.02). Conclusions: The high prevalence of being overweight should be considered during the follow-up visits of children with ASD. The influence of gluten consumption on the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in this study, and the causes involved in these alterations need to be further investigated.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a presença de alterações gastrintestinais em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, composto por 39 crianças autistas com idades entre três e dez anos, cadastradas na associação participante. O estado nutricional foi analisado a partir do índice de massa corporal/idade e do peso/idade, tendo como referências as curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Para investigação das alterações gastrintestinais, o entrevistado respondeu sobre a presença de alterações nos últimos 30 dias. Na avaliação do consumo alimentar foi aplicado um recordatório de 24 horas e os alimentos listados foram categorizados em: fontes de glúten, fontes de caseína e ultraprocessados. A análise estatística utilizou o software Epi-Info, versão 7.2. Foi realizada a análise de regressão logística multivariada para avaliar os fatores associados às alterações gastrintestinais. Resultados: Observou-se alta prevalência de excesso de peso nas crianças com transtorno do espectro autista (64,1%), não sendo registrada nenhuma criança com déficit de peso. Um total de 34 crianças (84,2%) apresentava alterações gastrintestinais. O consumo de glúten esteve associado às manifestações gastrintestinais (β=0,38; IC95% 0,07-0,75; p=0,02). Conclusões: A elevada prevalência do excesso de peso deve ser tratada com maior atenção em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista. Foi observada a influência do consumo de glúten no aparecimento das alterações gastrintestinais, sendo necessário que as causas envolvidas nessas alterações sejam mais bem investigadas.

Gluten and Neuroimmunology. Rare association with Myasthenia Gravis and Literature Review

SUMMARY As the celiac disease (CD), the non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has also been associated with several autoimmune manifestations. It is rarely associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). This paper shall introduce the case of a young female patient, initially presenting a peripheral neuropathy framework. During clinical and neurological follow-up, she began to present symptoms of various immune-mediated morbidities. Diseases related to gluten represent a clinical spectrum of manifestations with a trigger in common, the ingestion of gluten. CD is the most well-known and serious disease of the spectrum, also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy. The NCGS is diagnosed from clinical evidence of improvement in symptoms followed by a Gluten Free Diet (GFD) in patients without signs of enteropathy in duodenal biopsy. There are indications that, although rare, with a prevalence of 1 in 5000, myasthenia gravis (MG) may occur more often when CD is also present. Between 13 to 22% of the patients with MG have a second autoimmune disorder. However, it is often associated with dermatomyositis or polymyositis, lupus erythematosussystemic lupus erythematosus, Addison's disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the symptoms of neuromuscular junction involvement may give a diagnostic evidence of this rare association.

Presença de alérgenos e aditivos alimentares em chocolate branco / Presence of allergens and food additives in white chocolate

No Brasil, chocolate branco é o produto obtido a partir da mistura de manteiga de cacau com outros ingredientes, alguns dos quais podem desencadear reações, sendo denominadas alergênicos. Entre os alergênicos alimentares mais comuns estão a proteína do leite, proteína do ovo, essências, traços de frutas oleaginosas, soja e aditivos alimentares, como corantes e conservantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de componentes potencialmente alergênicos em diferentes marcas de chocolate branco comercializadas na cidade de Caxias do Sul. Foram adquiridas 12 marcas de chocolate branco no comércio de Caxias do Sul. Os critérios para aquisição das marcas foram: ser chocolate branco puro, em embalagens com peso de 40g a 150g, estando dentro do período de validade. Foram analisados os ingredientes de cada marca com o intuito de identificar os aditivos alimentares e os alérgenos potenciais. O estudo mostrou que, das 12 marcas de chocolate branco, 58,33% apresentaram soja, 66,66% glúten e 75% apresentaram algum traço alergênico de contaminantes da produção. Nenhuma marca apresentou ingrediente transgênico ou glutamato monossódico. Os principais elementos traços encontrados foram amendoim, nozes, amêndoas, avelã, castanhas de caju e do Brasil, macadâmia, coco, ovos, pistache, cevada, trigo, derivados de soja e de leite. Percebe-se a importância da observação e leitura atenta dos rótulo de chocolates antes do consumo, especialmente por indivíduos que apresentam sensibilidade a componentes alimentares, pois mesmo os chocolates puros apresentam substâncias capazes de desencadear complicações graves ao sistema imunológico.(AU)

Enfermedad celíaca, sensibilidad no celíaca al gluten y alergia al trigo: comparación de patologías diferentes gatilladas por un mismo alimento / Celiac disease, non celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy: comparison of 3 different diseases triggered by the same food

El gluten y otras proteínas relacionadas del trigo, centeno y cebada, tienen propiedades antigénicas que pueden desencadenar reacciones adversas en individuos susceptibles. La enfermedad celíaca fue la primera patología en que se estableció relación causal con estas proteínas alimentarias. Recientemente se han descrito la alergia al trigo y la sensibilidad no celíaca al gluten. Si bien sus formas de presentación clínica y su relación con la ingesta pueden ser similares, sus mecanismos patogénicos, forma de diagnóstico y tratamiento difieren. Dado que su prevalencia en conjunto es relativamente alta, resulta necesario que los médicos de atención primaria y pediatras se familiaricen con estas patologías, sepan cómo diferenciarlas y enfrentarlas. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar los principales aspectos de epidemiología, fisiopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de estas 3 condiciones.

Gluten and other related proteins of the wheat, rye and barley, have antigenic properties that may trigger adverse reactions in susceptible individuals. Celiac disease was the first pathology with clear causal association related to the intake of these proteins. Recently, wheat allergy and non celiac gluten sensitivity have been described. Although, clinical presentation and its relation with protein ingestion may be similar and elicit confusion, their pathogenic mechanism, diagnosis and treatment are quite different. Since the prevalence of these diseases is relatively high as a whole, it is essential that these become familiar to primary care doctors and general pediatricians, thus they will know how to differentiate and face them. The aim of this review is to compare the main aspects of epidemiology, pathofisiology, diagnosis and treatment of these 3 conditions.

Tratamiento de la enfermedad celíaca: ¿Cómo medir adherencia a la dieta libre de gluten? / Treating coeliac disease: How do we measure adherence to the gluten-free diet?

La enfermedad celíaca (EC) es un trastorno sistémico inmune mediado por la ingesta de gluten en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Se caracteriza por manifestaciones clínicas variables, auto anticuerpos anti-endomisio, anti-transglutaminasa (tTG) y/o anti-péptidos de gliadina deamidados (PGD) en sangre, más daño variable de la mucosa intestinal. En Chile el 0,76% de los mayores de 15 años tiene IgA-tTG positiva y la prevalencia de EC se estima en ~0,6%. En familiares de primer grado de celíacos se ha identificado ~17% de casos tTG positivos. Hasta hoy el único tratamiento es la dieta libre de gluten (DLG), que para ser efectiva debe ser estricta, permanente y durante toda la vida. La DLG no contiene cero gluten, sino que lo disminuye hasta un «punto de corte¼, que en Chile es 3 ppm (o mg/kg de producto). La mortalidad de la EC es mayor que la de la población general, y la falta de adherencia al tratamiento se asocia a complicaciones (procesos autoinmunes y cáncer principalmente). La DLG es difícil de mantener estrictamente, y las transgresiones son por lejos la principal causa de falta de respuesta al tratamiento. El seguimiento también es difícil, porque no existen marcadores objetivables que midan la adherencia. En la práctica clínica se utiliza la medición de auto anticuerpos anti-endomisio, tTG y/o PGD; más recientemente se están evaluando las entrevistas por una nutricionista especializada, cuestionarios validados y la medición de péptidos 33-mer en heces como alternativas o complementos de la evaluación de adherencia. En este artículo se revisan las herramientas de seguimiento actualmente utilizadas, poniendo énfasis en aquellas disponibles en Chile.

Coeliac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption in genetically susceptible individuals. It exhibits several clinical features, such as blood auto-antibodies (anti-endomysial antibodies EMA, anti-transglutaminase antibodies tTG, anti-deamidated gliadin peptides PGD), plus variable degrees of damage in the small intestinal mucosa. In Chile, tTG is positive in 0.76% in individuals >15 years, with the prevalence of CD being estimated at 0.6%. Approximately17% of first-degree relatives of coeliac patients have been reported tTG positive. To date, the gluten free diet (GFD) is the only known treatment for CD. To be effective, this must be lifelong, permanent, and strict. Gluten content in the GFD is not zero, but is limited to a cut-off of 3 ppm (or mg/kg of product) in Chile. Mortality higher than that of the general population has been reported among coeliac patients, and poor adherence to GFD is associated with complications (mainly autoimmune processes and cancer). GFD is difficult to maintain strictly and poor adherence is by far the main cause of lack of response to treatment. Follow-up of adherence is also difficult because there are no objective measurements to assess it. In clinical practice determination of serum EMA, tTG and PGD is routinely used for these purposes, although more recently, the interview by an expert dietitian, validated questionnaires and measurement of faecal 33-mer peptide are being assessed as alternatives or complements to measure adherence to GFD. A review is presented with the current concepts on the available tools to follow up patients on GFD, emphasising those available in Chilel.

Percepção dos indivíduos celíacos acerca da contaminação dos cosméticos com glúten / Awareness of celiac individuals about the contamination of cosmetics containing gluten

A exclusão do glúten na dieta por toda a vida é o único tratamento com eficácia inquestionável para a doença celíaca (DC), o qual mesmo em pequenas quantidades pode ser prejudicial à saúde. Recentes discussões na comunidade científica sugerem que, além da dieta, devem ser excluídos também medicamentos, produtos de higiene e cosméticos que possam conter traços de glúten. Assim, este trabalho visou verificar o grau de conhecimento dos celíacos acerca da provável influência dos cosméticos no agravamento ou surgimento de sintomatologia da doença. Tratou-se de um estudo netnográfico e quantitativo, tendo como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário online com perguntas de múltipla escolha, aplicado entre indivíduos portadores da doença celíaca. Os entrevistados conhecem (58%) e acreditam (67%) que a presença do glúten em cosméticos e produtos de higiene possa desencadear o reaparecimento dos sintomas da DC, sendo uma parcela (22%) já diagnosticada com algum tipo de hipersensibilidade aos cosméticos com glúten. Diante dos resultados expostos, pode-se inferir que os entrevistados estão cientes do fato de que cosméticos contendo glúten podem ser prejudiciais à saúde e que a falta de informações no rótulo contribui para o problema, expondo a necessidade de novos estudos.(AU)

The exclusion of gluten in the diet for life is the only efficiency and unquestionable treatment for celiac disease (CD), which even in small amounts can be harmful to health. Recent discussions in the scientific community suggest that in addition to diet, also medicines, toiletries and cosmetics that may contain traces of gluten should be excluded. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of celiac about the likely influence of cosmetic worsening or onset of disease symptoms. It was a nethnographic and quantitative study, taking as an instrument of data collection an online questionnaire with multiple choice questions, applied between individuals with celiac disease. Respondents know (58 %) and believe (67 %) that the presence of gluten in cosmetics and toiletries may trigger the reappearance of symptoms of CD, with a portion (22 %) already diagnosed with some type of hypersensitivity to cosmetics containing gluten. Given the above results, it can be inferred that the respondents are aware of the fact that cosmetics containing gluten can be harmful to health and the lack of information on the label contributes to the problem, exposing the need for further studies.(AU)

Sensibilidad no celíaca al gluten: Una patología más que responde al gluten / Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Another condition that responds to gluten

Remission of gastrointestinal and general symptoms after gluten withdrawal has been described in some non-celiac individuals for nearly 30 years. Only recently, efforts have been made to define this entity, now referred to as "non- celiac gluten sensitivity". It includes patients that clinically respond to gluten free diet without exhibiting allergic or autoimmune features to explain such response. Wheat allergy, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms induced by high FODMAPs (Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) consumption are the main differential diagnoses. The relationship with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism has not been demonstrated, but currently it gives ground to great hope in families with affected children. Epidemiology of non-celiac gluten sensitivity is not clear. It is described as more common among women and less common in children. Genetic and immune factors, changes in intestinal microbiota and non-gluten components present in wheat grains are main factors postulated in the pathogenesis of this condition. To date, there are no specific biomarkers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity and diagnosis is reached by excluding other causes of disease. A trial with gluten-free diet and subsequent gluten challenge is the methodology most frequently used to confirm diagnosis.

Prevalence and risk factors of hypospadias in a private hospital in Northeast Iran

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors of hypospadias in newborn infants of a private hospital in Mashhad city located in northeast Iran. All live birth deliveries in maternity hospital were enrolled from Oct 2006 to Sep 2008. All hypospadias cases were compared with the next male live births for possible risk factors. This study included only solitary hypospadias cases, those associated with other anomalies were excluded. Both parents were asked to fill out the same written questionnaires seperately. Data was analyzed by using SPSS. During two years 6149 babies were born in our hospital; 25 cases [0.4%, 4 inl000 live births] of hypospadias were identified. Hypospadias occurred in 0.76% of male deliveries. Most cases of hypospadias were born in summer and winter was the season which least number. Positive family history [P=0.04] was regarded as a potential risk factor that was present in 44% of cases in hypospadias group. Iron supplement consumption in first trimester of pregnancy in control group was significantly more than in hypospadias group [P=0.001] and also usage of folic acid in control group before and in first trimester of pregnancy was taken more by mother in control group than in hypospadias group [P=0.049 and P=0.001 respectively]. Prevalence in this population was intermediate [4 in 1000 live births]. Summer was the most epidemiology factor for occurring of hypospadias probably due to conception in cold season. Iron and folic acid supplementation may have preventive effect in hypospadias

El gluten: Su historia y efectos en la enfermedad celíaca / History of gluten and its effects on celiac disease

The global prevalence of celiac disease is of one person per 250 inhabitants. The disease is induced by gluten, a peptide contained in wheat, rye and barley that during small intestinal digestion generates smaller peptides. Some of these are resistant to hydrolysis and cross through the epithelium into the mucosa, inducing a cascade of immune reactions leading to the appearance of the disease in susceptible individuals. Gluten appeared as a consequence of agricultural practices initiated 10000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent of southwest Asia. Celiac disease epidemiology is complicated since consumption of gluten differs depending on the origin of populations. Treatment of celiac disease consists of withdrawing gluten from the diet, a task that becomes difficult in the long term. The concept of gluten-free food has changed along time. This article updates the concept of celiac disease, the history of gluten consumption in the world, the characteristics of a gluten free diet and the difficulties to adhere to it.

Tratamientos biológicos del autismo y dietas de eliminación / Biological treatments of autism, elimination diets: a critical review

This paper presents some critical considerations regarding the growing adoption, by families, of alternative treatments and diets for the treatment of various disorders like autism in children. Research does not seem to support such practices, with the exception of the relationship between timesoral and vaccines, neurological and cardiac disorders. Issues to consider are pointed out in the need to opt for biological treatments, and the need for families and research teams to work together for the purpose of clarifying such procedures.

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar consideraciones críticas en relación a la creciente adopción, por parte de las familias de niños con trastornos del desarrollo, de tratamientos alternativos y dietas para reducir los síntomas de diversas alteraciones tales como el autismo, SDAH y otros. Las investigaciones no parecen apoyar tales prácticas, a excepción de la creciente evidencia de la relación entre el timerosal de las vacunas y afecciones cardíacas y neurológicas. Se señalan los elementos a tener en cuenta para optar por los tratamientos biológicos y dietas, junto con insistir en la necesidad de mancomunar esfuerzos entre familias y equipos de investigación para desarrollar estudios que clarifiquen los efectos de tales procedimientos.

Dermatitis herpetiforme: enfermedad de Duhring-Brocq / Dermatitis herpetiformis, Duhring disease

La dermatitis herpetiformis es una dermatosis autoinmune que ocurre como resultado de la ingesta de gluten en individuos genéticamente predispuestos. Actualmente es considerada como la manifestación cutánea de la enfermedad celíaca. Cursa con brotes de lesiones pápulo-vesico-ampollares extremadamente pruriginosas, localizadas preferentemente en cuero cabelludo, superficies de extensión de codos y rodillas, glúteos y dorso y tiene evolución crónica. Ocurre más comúnmente en adultos jóvenes, pero también afecta a niños, en los que puede tener presentaciones clínicas atípicas. Todos los pacientes con dermatitis herpetiformis presentan algún grado de compromiso intestinal. El diagnóstico de certeza se realiza por el hallazgo patognomónico de depósitos granulares de inmunoglobulina A en la unión dermoepidérmica con acentuación en las cimas de las papilas dérmicas, en piel sana perilesional. El tratamiento sintomático se logra con el uso de dapsona, pero el único definitivo es la adherencia a largo plazo a una dieta libre de gluten

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune dermatosis that results from gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed patients. It is currently considered the cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. It presents with crops of extremely pruriginous papular and vesicobullous lesions located mainly at scalp, extensor surfaces of elbows and knees, buttocks and back; and has a chronic course. Although more frequent in young adults, it also affects childs, in whom may present with atypical skin manifestations. All patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have some degree of intestinal compromise. Definitive diagnosis is based on the pathognomonic finding of a granular IgA deposition at the dermoepidermal junction with stippling in the dermal papillae, in normal appearing perilesional skin. Symptomatic treatment is achieved with dapsone use, but definitive one is based on lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet

Celiac disease: a multi organ autoimmune disease presentation and nutritional management

Celiac disease [CD] is defined as a T-lymphocyte mediated small intestinal enteropathy induced by gluten in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Population based serological studies reveal that CD is not rare and can also present in adulthood. Classic symptoms of CD are gastrointestinal however non-gastrointestinal symptoms may be related to the skin, bone, heart, nervous system, reproductive system, growth retardation, as well as various manifestations of nutrient deficiency such as anemia. However it can also be silent or latent for many years. Primary care physicians and nutritionists in developing countries are not aware of the multi organ nature of this disease and therefore CD is under diagnosed. Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months and appropriate weaning practices can prevent/delay the occurrence of CD. Serological testing can identify patient with CD but intestinal biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. At diagnosis, anthropometric assessment and biochemical/clinical assessment of iron, zinc, B12, folic acid and fat soluble vitamins status should be done. Treatment consists of following a gluten free diet for life i.e. exclusion of all wheat, barley and rye and correction of underlying nutritional deficiencies. In developing countries primary care physicians must play a major role in diagnosing and managing CD due to the inaccessibility/unavailability of trained specialists and nutritionists. There is a dire need for trained nutritionists to provide counseling and support to patients with CD in developing countries

Enfermedad celíaca: conocimientos actuales: [revisión] / Celiac disease: current knowledge

La enfermedad celíaca es una condición genética y autoinmune causada por la intolerancia de por vida al gluten; una proteina que se encuentra en el trigo, centeno y cebada. en indivíduos genéticamente susceptibles, la ingesta de gluten causa una reacción inmunológica que resulta en la inflamación y atrofia de la mucosa del intestino delgado. anteriormente se creía que la enfermedad celíaca era una enfermedad rara de la niñez. Actualmente se reconoce como una condición común que se puede presentar a cualquier edad. Estudios de prevalencia recientes demuestran que la enfermedad celíaca ocurre aproximadamente en 1 de 300 individuos. aunque es más común en caucásicos, en especial en personas con descendencia europea, la enfermedad celíaca puede afectar a todos los grupos étnicos. A pesar de la alta prevalencia de la enferemedad...