title: Effect of gluten-free diet on splenic hypofunction of adult coeliac disease.
abstract: Splenic function has been serially measured by counting pitted red cells in 15 coeliac patients, before and during a gluten-free diet. The basal percentage values of pitted cells decreased significantly during treatment but no correlation was observed between the duration of the gluten-free diet and the percentage of recovery of splenic function over basal values. Out of six coeliacs with pitted cell values consistent with splenic hypofunction, three showed a total recovery after gluten withdrawal. Our data suggest that, contrary to recent reports, hyposplenism in adult coeliac disease is improved by a gluten-free diet, and that environmental factors may be important in determining and maintaining this complication.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D005983:Glutens