Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 Australians, and is one of the world’s most under-diagnosed diseases. The disease affects both sexes and it can begin at any age, from infancy (as soon as cereals are introduced) to later in life.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease, meaning it is caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, organs, or tissues in the body that are essential for good health. In a person with coeliac disease, eating gluten, the protein component of grains like wheat, rye, barley and oats, causes inflammation of the small intestine, the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients from the diet.
When the lining of the small intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are not absorbed properly. Sugars, proteins and fats may also be poorly absorbed. Malnutrition, osteoporosis, depression and infertility are just some of the problems that can develop if the disorder is left untreated.
Of the thousands of people who have coeliac disease, most are of Caucasian people (i.e. of Anglo-Celtic origin). Depending on the individual, coeliac disease symptoms can be severe, moderate or mild, or the person may be asymptomatic (have no symptoms). Many people with coeliac disease don’t know they even have the condition. Early detection of Coeliac disease is essential because complications and progression are preventable if patients adhere to gluten-free diets.
Symptoms
Coeliac disease is difficult to diagnose because it is not often characterised by specific complaints. Different people may experience different symptoms. The most common symptoms in adults include:
- Anaemia (iron deficiency)
- Bloating and flatulence
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting Stomach cramps
- Weight loss
Diagnosing coeliac disease If coeliac disease is suspected a number of blood tests can be performed which detect specific antibodies that are raised in patients with coeliac disease. Confirmation of the presence of coeliac disease is made by a medical procedure called an endoscopy. DNA Testing
There is clear evidence of a family tendency toward coeliac disease, with 5-10% of the first-degree relatives (i.e. parents, siblings or children) of diagnosed coeliac patients developing the disease.
The genetic inheritance of coeliac disease is strongly associated with genetic markers that code for HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8, with more than 99% of all patients with coeliac disease having one or both genetic markers. Healthscope Molecular offers a DNA test for both of the above genetic markers. This test is not a screening test for coeliac disease, but a test to exclude the likelihood of the disease (ie shows a patient does not have it) when other blood tests are not conclusive.
| Medicare Rebate available: | Yes |
| Specimen Type: | Blood or buccal cells. |
| Test Frequency: | Weekly |