Refractory celiac disease: an unusual disease in a Chinese patient.
Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by mucosal inflammation and villous atrophy of the small bowel upon exposure to ingested gluten. Although common in developed countries, it is extremely rare in the Chinese population. Refractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare complication of CD with poor prognosis. Patients may die of severe malabsorption or development of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. We report a case of RCD in a Chinese woman who required steroid therapy in addition to a gluten-free diet to induce disease remission. The possibility of CD in Chinese patients should not be overlooked.
Lok
Ka Ho
KH
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong. lokkaho@netvigator.com
Yeung
Hon Cheung
HC
Li
Kam Fu
KF
Li
Kin Kong
KK
Szeto
Ming Leung
ML
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044466:Asian People; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D018450:Disease Progression; D004386:Duodenum / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011239:Prednisolone