Celiac disease in children

Abstract

Celiac disease is a multisystemic autoimmune disease induced by gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by polygenic predisposition , high prevalence in members of the Caucasian race (1%), especially in close relatives (5-15%), very heterogeneous expression, and frequent association with other autoimmune diseases (3-10%), as well as selective deficiency of IgA and Down, Turner, and Williams syndromes. The basis of the disease and the key finding in its diagnostics is symptomatic or asymptomatic inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa, which is resolved by a gluten-free diet. Accordingly, the basis of the treatment involves an elimination diet, so the disorder itself, if timely recognized and adequately treated, is characterized by an excellent prognosis.