Celiac disease in the developing world.
The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in many developing countries is similar to that of developed areas, in both low- and high-risk groups. The disorder is underestimated because of lack of disease awareness. CD is strongly associated with HLA-DQ2 in developing countries. Clinical presentation may be characterized by chronic diarrhea, anemia, stunting and increased mortality. Few studies have addressed atypical or silent CD. Diagnosis is initially made by serologic tests and is confirmed by small intestinal biopsies. In developing countries the adherence to the treatment is still difficult because of poor availability of dedicated gluten-free food.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad-El-Solh Beirut, Lebanon.
Kassem
K
Barada
Hussein
H
Abu Daya
Kamran
K
Rostami
Carlo
C
Catassi
D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence
D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens