Adult coeliac disease in Ireland: A case series

Abstract

Background: The clinical spectrum of adult coeliac disease (ACD) is varied with limited Irish data. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the presenting symptoms, associated conditions and complications in a consecutive series of patients with ACD. Methods: Data were obtained from database on patients with ACD between 1988 and 2004. Results: One hundred and six patients (69F:37M, mean age: 46, range: 23-95 years) were included. The modes of presentation were diarrhoea in 44 patients (45%), weight loss in 41 (42%), anaemia in 37 (38%), abdominal pain in 15 (15%), fatigue in 8 (8%), hypocalcaemia in 4 (4%) and steatorrhoea in 4 (4%). Associated conditions included thyroid disorders in 7 patients (7%), bipolar affective disorder in 4 (4%), major depression in 3 (3%), rheumatoid disease in 3 (3%), inflammatory bowel disease in 4 (4%) and type I diabetes mellitus in 2 (2%). Malignancy emerged as a major complication in 15 patients (15%) Conclusion: The presenting features of ACD are diverse and associated with high risk of malignancy. © Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2011.