Abstract
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine, and is caused by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Prevalence in the general population ranges from 0·5% to 2%, with an average of about 1%. The development of the coeliac enteropathy depends on a complex immune response to gluten proteins, including both adaptive and innate mechanisms. Clinical presentation of coeliac disease is highly variable and includes classical and non-classical gastrointestinal symptoms, extraintestinal manifestations, and subclinical cases. The disease is associated with a risk of complications, such as osteoporosis and intestinal lymphoma. Diagnosis of coeliac disease requires a positive serology (IgA anti-transglutaminase 2 and anti-endomysial antibodies) and villous atrophy on small-intestinal biopsy. Treatment involves a gluten-free diet; however, owing to the high psychosocial burden of such a diet, research into alternative pharmacological treatments is currently very active.
Overview
- The study focuses on coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals.
- The methodology includes a complex immune response to gluten proteins, involving both adaptive and innate mechanisms.
- The primary objective is to understand the disease, its diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The prevalence of coeliac disease ranges from 0.5% to 2%, with an average of about 1% in the general population.
- The clinical presentation is highly variable, including gastrointestinal symptoms, extraintestinal manifestations, and subclinical cases.
- A gluten-free diet is the current treatment, but research is active to develop alternative pharmacological treatments due to the high psychosocial burden of gluten-free diets.
Implications and Future Directions
- Understanding the complex immune response to gluten proteins can lead to the development of targeted treatments.
- Alternative pharmacological treatments may improve treatment options and reduce the psychosocial burden on patients.
- Further research is needed to better understand the complications associated with coeliac disease and to develop more effective treatments.