title: [Celiac disease--a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge].
abstract: The actual prevalence of celiac disease in the Finnish adult population is already more than 2%. By using sensitive and precise celiac disease antibody tests it is possible to find the correct patients for further investigations. The diagnosis is still based on the gluten-induced villous atrophy found in a biopsy of the small intestine, but celiac disease begins before the development of villous damage. Elevated levels of anti-endomysium or anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in a patient with normal intestinal villi are indicative of a developing celiac disease. On a perpetual gluten-free diet, patients remain asymptomatic and capable of working and functioning.
authors.affiliation: Tampereen yliopisto, lääketieteen laitos, 33014 Tampereen yliopisto ja TAYS, gastroenterologian vastuualue.
authors.forename: Katri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaukinen
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Collin
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mäki
mesh_terms: D001284:Atrophy / Q000473:pathology; D001323:Autoantibodies; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies