[Improving the management of celiac disease: an urgent challenge].
Anti endomysial and anti transglutaminase (EMA/TTG) antibodies measurements in large population groups, show that celiac disease is significantly more common than previously thought and 0.5-1% of the population suffer this condition. The recognition of atypical clinical presentations by active screening of high risk groups is a successful global initiative. In Chile there is little awareness of the enormous changes occurred in this field. Available national information on typical presentation of the disease shows that it is found in 1:1836 live births, figure that is comparable to European societies. Two urgent tasks are required in our country. First, to asses the Chilean population using EMA and/or TTG. Second, to improve the legal aspects that regulate consumer information about gluten content in processed foods. We here review the most relevant aspects to be considered to improve the management of celiac patients and the tasks that require the participation of health authorities for their implementation.
Araya Q
Magdalena
M
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Casilla, Santiago, Chile. maraya@inta.cl