title: The Canadian Celiac Health Survey.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to characterize the diagnostic process, frequency of associated disorders, family history, and impact of a gluten-free diet in individuals with celiac disease. All members of the Canadian Celiac Association (n=5240) were surveyed with a questionnaire. Respondents included 2681 adults with biopsy-proven celiac disease. The mean age was 56 years. Most common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (83%), diarrhea (76%), and weight loss (69%). The mean delay in diagnosis was 11.7 years. Diagnoses made prior to celiac disease included anemia (40%), stress (31%), and irritable bowel syndrome (29%). Osteoporosis was common. Prior to diagnosis, 27% of respondents consulted three or more doctors about their symptoms. Delays in diagnosis of celiac disease remain a problem. Associated medical conditions occur frequently. More accurate food labeling is needed. Improved awareness of celiac disease and greater use of serological screening tests may result in earlier diagnosis and reduced risk of associated conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cranney
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zarkadas
authors.forename: Ian D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: J Decker
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Butzner
authors.forename: Mohsin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Mavis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Case
authors.forename: Vernon
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.forename: Connie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Switzer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy; D003625:Data Collection; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005983:Glutens; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D005983:Glutens