Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders

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By Jefferson Adams

August 9, 2023
By Jefferson Adams • August 9, 2023

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders

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Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

A new study looks at potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders

Caption: Lizard's Eye View from Inside a Pitfall Trap. Image: Public Domain Mark 1.0--Joshua Tree National Park

Celiac.com 08/09/2023 - The spectrum of gluten-related disorders has emerged as a relevant factor that may have an adverse impact on health care procedures and costs worldwide. A team of researchers recently set out to assess potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders.

The Research Team

The research team included Annalisa Schiepatti, Jessica Savioli, Marta Vernero, Federica Borrelli de Andreis, Luca Perfetti, Antonio Meriggi, and Federico Biagi. They are variously associated with the Gastroenterology Unit of IRCCS Pavia Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, University of Pavia, Italy; the Allergy and Immunology Unit of Pavia IRCCS Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy; and the First Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia in Italy.

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The full-range of gluten-related disorders represents a significant health concern that impacts healthcare procedures and costs worldwide.

Gluten-related disorders are classified into immune-mediated conditions like celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and gluten ataxia, allergic reactions such as wheat allergy, and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) characterized by gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms triggered by gluten/wheat ingestion.

While celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy have well-defined diagnostic criteria, NCGS diagnosis relies on excluding other organic disorders. Unlike allergic or autoimmune conditions, NCGS doesn't involve these mechanisms.

Misdiagnoses Leads to Waste of Healthcare Resources

Misdiagnosing gluten-related disorders remains a clinical challenge, leading to unnecessary gluten-free diets and wastage of healthcare resources.

The article aims to identify the main pitfalls in diagnosing celiac disease and its complications, dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy.

Based on clinical experience and literature, the authors provide a practical methodological approach to help clinicians recognize and avoid numerous common pitfalls, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients with gluten-related disorders.

Read more in Nutrients. 2020 Jun; 12(6): 1711.
celiac disease

diagnosis

disorders

gluten-related

gluten-sensitivity

mistakes

ncgs

pitfalls
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About Me

Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

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