GI Packet 8

What is the definition of Celiac disease?

Digestive disease that damages the small intestine (specifically the duodenum) and causes a decrease in nutrient absorption

It is an intolerance to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, etc.)

What is another name for Celiac disease?

Celiac sprue

What does Celiac disease cause?

An immune response to gluten that damages the villi (finger-like projections that absorb nutrients) in the duodenum leading to malabsorption

Where can you find gluten?

Wheat, barley, rye

May and may not be found in the following

Shampoo

Cosmetics

Lip balms

Playdoh

Coding on medications

Communion wafers

Glue on stamps

A patient that has Celiac may follow a strict no gluten diet and makes sure to double check everything before taking (such as shampoo, coding on medication, etc.), so why is he still getting symptoms?

Cross contamination (Other people in the house accidentally contaminate their food/utensils)

Why is it important to treat Celiac disease?

Can develop problems involving a lack of iron, calcium, and other nutrients due to malabsorption

What are some symptoms for adults with Celiac disease?

Diarrhea (most common), vomiting (not often), bloating, pain/cramps, weight loss (50/50 chance of happening)

What are some symptoms for children with Celiac disease?

Diarrhea, pain/cramps, bloating, irritability

Why are there so many cases of untreated Celiac disease?

Under diagnosed and misdiagnosed (often seen as IBS)

What are some screening we can do for Celiac disease?

Lab tests on antibodies

tTG-IgA and if positive endoscopy (specifically duodenum with biopsy of inflammation)

What is the treatment for Celiac disease?

A gluten free diet

If patients follow a strict gluten free diet what are the prospects for them?

Majority of patients will have decreased symptoms with some having no symptoms

What is it called when patients with Celiac disease still have symptoms after stopping all gluten intake?

Refractory disease

How do we treat refractory Celiac?

First double check diet and include checking of coding for medication, their shampoo, etc.

Steroids

Immunosuppressive drugs

Who are most likely to be celiac cases?

Type 1 diabetics

Those with autoimmune disease