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How do Swedish paediatric clinics diagnose coeliac disease? Results of a nationwide questionnaire study

På svenska

Author

  • Lars Stenhammar
  • Lotta Hogberg
  • Lars Danielsson
  • Henry Ascher
  • Anders Dannaeus
  • Olle Hernell
  • Anneli Ivarsson
  • Eva Lindberg
  • Bo Lindquist
  • Kerstin Nivenius

Summary, in English

Background and aim: Diagnosis of coeliac disease is based on the demonstration of enteropathy in a small bowel biopsy. Correct diagnosis is of utmost importance, since the need for dietary management is life long, and inadequate treatment may lead to potentially serious complications. The Swedish Working Group for Paediatric Coeliac Disease has published guidelines for the diagnosis of childhood coeliac disease. The present questionnaire was designed in order to create the basis for revision of those guidelines. Methods: In 2004, a nationwide questionnaire concerning current diagnostic routines was sent to all 45 paediatric clinics performing small bowel biopsy. All clinics responded. Results: All clinics base their diagnosis on small bowel biopsy findings at presentation. Furthermore, in 24 (53%) of the clinics, children with suspected coeliac disease are investigated by small bowel biopsy both at presentation and follow-up while on a gluten-free diet. Eighteen (40%) of the clinics employ a different diagnostic routine for children under 2 y of age than for those older than 2 y. All clinics use coeliac serological testing at various stages of the diagnostic procedure. Conclusion: All Swedish paediatric clinics perform a small bowel biopsy at presentation in children with suspected coeliac disease, and the majority of clinics perform a second biopsy when the child is on a gluten-free diet. Serological testing is frequently used as a diagnostic aid and in the monitoring of the disease while on a gluten-free diet.

Publishing year

2006

Language

English

Pages

1495-1497

Publication/Series

Acta Pædiatrica

Volume

95

Issue

11

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Topic

  • Pediatrics

Keywords

  • small bowel biopsy
  • coeliac disease
  • serological tests

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1651-2227