Published in:
01-06-2012 | Original Article
Adult coeliac disease in Ireland: a case series
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 2/2012
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Background
The clinical spectrum of adult coeliac disease (ACD) is varied with limited Irish data.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyse the presenting symptoms, associated conditions and complications in a consecutive series of patients with ACD.
Methods
Data were obtained from database on patients with ACD between 1988 and 2004.
Results
One hundred and six patients (69F:37M, mean age: 46, range: 23–95 years) were included. The modes of presentation were diarrhoea in 44 patients (45%), weight loss in 41 (42%), anaemia in 37 (38%), abdominal pain in 15 (15%), fatigue in 8 (8%), hypocalcaemia in 4 (4%) and steatorrhoea in 4 (4%). Associated conditions included thyroid disorders in 7 patients (7%), bipolar affective disorder in 4 (4%), major depression in 3 (3%), rheumatoid disease in 3 (3%), inflammatory bowel disease in 4 (4%) and type I diabetes mellitus in 2 (2%). Malignancy emerged as a major complication in 15 patients (15%)
Conclusion
The presenting features of ACD are diverse and associated with high risk of malignancy.