[Clinical profile of Santa Catarina members of Brazilian Celiac Association].
BACKGROUND
Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.


OBJECTIVE
To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.


METHODS
A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent.


RESULTS
From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7%) were enrolled in the study--all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8%), abdominal pain (71%) and diarrhea (65.5%). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1% of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 % had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7% did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4% had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65% of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33%). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45% and only 32.5% have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59% had altered results.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Departamento de Pediatria, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC. clarissa_cassol@terra.com.br
Clarissa Araujo
CA
Cassol
Christine Prim
CP
De Pellegrin
Mônica Lisboa Chang
ML
Wahys
Maria Marlene de Souza
MM
Pires
Silvia Modesto
SM
Nassar
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires