Adult coeliac disease in Ireland: a case series

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?C95?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.