THE IMPORTANCE OF DIAGNOSIS AND DIET THERAPY IN CELIAC DISEASE Author: Miklos Andreea Doriana Coordinator: Lecturer dr. Fárr Ana-Maria

Celiac disease is a condition that affects a large percentage of the population. The studies estimate that the incidence of the disease in Romania is about 2% It is characterized by the atrophy of the villi of the small intestine by an autoimmune mechanism induced by the consumption of gluten. Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. The toxic component of gluten that causes the disease is gliadin.

This disease can appear in childhood or later, even in adulthood In Romania celiac disease falls among the category of underdiagnosed diseases

Symptoms Adults are less likely to have digestive symptoms, with only one- third experiencing diarrhea. Adults are more likely to have: ▫ iron-deficiency anemia refractory to treatment ▫ bone loss or osteoporosis ▫ dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring Digestive symptoms are more common in infants and children. Here are the most common symptoms found in children: ▫ abdominal bloating and pain ▫ chronic diarrhea followed by malabsorption ▫ delayed growth due to nutritional deficiencies. ▫ iron-deficiency anemia

DIAGNOSING CELIAC DISEASE DIAGNOSING CELIAC DISEASE There are two steps in diagnosing celiac disease: serological tests to identify specific antibodies (anti-transglutaminase, anti-gliadin, anti-endomysial) and endoscopic biopsy. Patients must NOT be on a gluten-free diet when performing diagnostic tests. There are quick tests that can be made ​​ by the patient or laboratory determinations-ELISA

Treatment Treatment A healthy and gluten free diet is the most important thing, and the only treatment for a patient with celiac disease who needs to follow the diet for lifetime. The patients should be more informed about their new diet and their new lifestyle they have to follow.

Objective Objective We wanted to see if the disease is correctly diagnosed and to put the emphasis on the importance of the diet.

Material and method Material and method We researched the records of Pathological Anatomy Department from Emergency County Hospital Tîrgu Mure between to find out the incidence of the disease and the number of correctly diagnosed cases based on the histopathological diagnosis.

Results Results

Gender distribution

Age distribution for confirmed cases

Conclusions Conclusions Out of all investigated cases it was a small percent of confirmed diagnosis, only 25%. The study shows that there is need to pay more attention for this disease to be diagnosed in a greater extent.

After diagnosis, the patients should meet with a dietitian-nutritionist After diagnosis, the patients should meet with a dietitian-nutritionist ! Gluten-free diet is required. Medication for this disease does not exist!!