title: Non-malignant complications of coeliac disease.
abstract: Patients with coeliac disease are at increased risk of developing complications which increase morbidity and mortality. Emphasis on malignant complications has often overshadowed the non-malignant risks, which have received relatively little attention, although some of these can be very troublesome and even life-threatening. This article points out that a large population of unidentified or neglected coeliac patients is at potential risk. The challenge is to identify this group by case-finding or screening programmes in selected populations, so that they can be offered a gluten-free diet and other treatments which will not only improve general health but may also prevent or reduce the development of health problems. The non-malignant risks are outlined and bone and neuropsychiatric disturbances considered in more detail because of recent developments in these areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK.
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000209:etiology; D002128:Calcium Metabolism Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology