Celiac disease is a chronic disorder that affects the immune system. It usually develops in people who are genetically predisposed to react adversely to gluten. Gluten is a type of major protein and it is found in rye, barley, and wheat. When people with celiac disease ingest it, the mucosa of their small bowel becomes inflamed, leading to villi atrophy. This results in diarrhea, wasting, and nutrient malabsorption. The condition, which is also known as refractory and latent celiac disease, presents itself with digestive problems, which is why it often takes a long time for people to receive a diagnosis.
Understanding What Refractory Celiac Disease and Latent Celiac Disease Is:
Every organ in the body can be involved in the disease. People often develop problems with parts of the body outside of the intestine, at which point their symptoms start to be outside of the realm of the usual ones. These include liver disease, lymphoma, miscarriage, infertility, bone disease, and anemia. Some people have so-called "sub-clinical" celiac disease, which means that they present with some of the symptoms of the condition but do not actually have it. In fact, there are numerous conditions that mimic celiac disease, including simple gluten sensitivity. If a patient presents with these symptoms, celiac disease has to be ruled out first.
What Is Refractory Celiac Disease and Latent Celiac Disease and Who Gets It?
People with this particular disease are genetically susceptible to it, because they have an abnormality in the class II HLA DQ8 or DQ2 genes. This is required in order for someone to have the condition. Thanks to highly sensitive tests, including tests for human tissue transglutaminase antibodies and endomysial antibodies, it is now possible to determine more accurately just how many people have celiac disease. This has produced some interesting results, including:
– That between 1 in 259 and 1 in 133 people in the United States and Western Europe, respectively, have the condition.
– That celiac disease runs in families, with 1 in 22 first relatives and 1 in 39 second degree relatives developing it.
– That it is almost non-existent in those whose ethnic backgrounds are purely Japanese, Chinese, Caribbean, or African.
– That it is more common in women.
– That it can affect people of any age.
Additionally, in researching what is refractory and latent celiac disease and who is at risk, certain population groups have been identified to be particularly likely to develop the condition. They include not just relatives of those with the disease, but also those with autoimmune disorders, those with lymphocytic colitis, those with thyroid disease, those with type 1 diabetes mellitus, those with Turner syndrome, and those with Down syndrome.
People presenting with possible celiac disease symptoms may fall in one of the following categories:
– Those with classical gastrointestinal symptoms, such as failure to thrive, abdominal distension, weight loss, and diarrhea
– Those with autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes, microscopic colitis, Sjogren's syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease
– Those with a direct relative with celiac disease
– Those with high levels of liver enzyme
– Those with Down or Williams syndrome
– Those with anemia caused by iron deficiency
– Those with delayed puberty
– Those with osteoporosis
– Those who are infertile
– Those who have irritable bowel syndrome
These people should be tested as soon as possible for celiac disease.