AFTER DIAGNOSIS OF CELIAC DISEASE

AFTER DIAGNOSIS OF CELIAC DISEASE


After diagnosis a celiac patient should...
Notes on Dr. Mohsin Rashid's presentation
CCA National Conference 2012

Dr. Rashid is Member of the CCA Professional Advisory Board and Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Halifax

Good follow-up is important for both children and adults with good evidence that follow-up improves adherence to the gluten-free diet.

After diagnosis of Celiac disease patients should:

• At 2 months: see a physician (family doctor or gastroenterologist) and dietitian
• At 6 months: repeat celiac serology (see note below)
• At 12 months: have a complete physical, TTG blood test, and ideally a biopsy (not in children)
• Annually: celiac serology and thyroid test

Celiac Serology includes:

• TTG
• Iron
• Folate
• Thyroid
• Liver Enzymes
• Calcium
• Phosphate
• Vitamin D

The follow up should focus on:

• nutritional deficiencies
• adherence to diet
• monitor for complications

Even with strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, there is still an increased risk of other auto-immune problems.   Celiac patients with two abnormal genes (for celiac disease) have a greater risk of complications than those with one abnormal gene.

In general:

• Consult with a skilled dietitian
• Educate yourself
• Follow a lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet
• Identify nutritional deficiencies to avoid anemia and osteoporosis
• Advocacy  (support the CCA and your local chapter)
• Monitor for complications