Clinical Manifestation and Diagnostic Process of Celiac Disease in Poland—Comparison of Pediatric and Adult Patients in Retrospective Study

Abstract

The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) may be delayed due to non-specific clinical symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical manifestation and diagnostic process of CD in Polish children and adults. Methods: The members of the Polish Coeliac Society (n = 2500) were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, clinical and diagnostic aspects of CD. The analysis was based on 796 responses from patients with confirmed CD diagnosis, and included 224 (28.1%) children and 572 (71.9%) adults. Results: The mean duration of symptoms prior to CD diagnosis in children was significantly shorter than in adults (p < 0.001), and amounted to 3.1 and 9 years respectively. The most frequent symptoms before CD diagnosis were abdominal pain and bloating in children (70.4%), and chronic fatigue in adults (74.5%). Although almost all CD patients claimed to strictly avoid gluten after CD diagnosis, symptoms were still present in the majority of these respondents. No comorbid diseases were reported by 29.8% of children and by 11.7% of adults (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the results indicate that CD diagnosis is delayed in Poland, especially in adults, and clinicians should be aware of the diversity in CD presentation.

IgE-Dependent Allergy in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review

“…The basic and most effective method of CD treatment is a gluten-free diet (GFD) [ 4 ]. However, it has been shown that in more than 80% of subjects, the symptoms may persist despite a restrictive GFD [ 5 ]. The studies of our team have revealed that symptoms in Polish CD patients persisted for up to 6 years after introducing a GFD [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…However, it has been shown that in more than 80% of subjects, the symptoms may persist despite a restrictive GFD [ 5 ]. The studies of our team have revealed that symptoms in Polish CD patients persisted for up to 6 years after introducing a GFD [ 5 , 6 ]. One of the possible causes of persisting symptoms despite the use of a GFD may be the coexistence of other diseases.…”

Allergic March in Children: The Significance of Precision Allergy Molecular Diagnosis (PAMD@) in Predicting Atopy Development and Planning Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

“…In fact, unrecognized and untreated allergy is a major cost factor for the management of allergic diseases [ 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Early detection of the disease and the implementation of an elimination diet can not only reduce the costs of diagnostic processes and subsequent therapy but can also significantly improve the quality of life of patients, as we have demonstrated in our research on autoimmune diseases [ 57 , 58 ]. With adherence to proper treatment and the precise diagnosis and proper management of allergic diseases, it has been estimated that even high costs can be saved [ 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Evaluation of the Usefulness of a Serological Test for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease Simultaneously Detecting Specific Antibodies and Total IgA

“…The consumption of gluten by CD-prone individuals activates innate and adaptive immune responses leading to the destruction of small intestine mucosa [ 2 , 3 ]. Although symptoms of malabsorption, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and malnutrition, are most frequently associated with CD, the clinical picture of the disease is changing [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Recently, our study showed that anemia and chronic fatigue were among the most common symptoms reported by Polish CD patients [ 5 ].…”