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About Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is a genetic auto-immune disorder which manifests as a permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. The ingestion of gluten by individuals with Celiac Disease results in an IgA auto-immune antibody response which damages the villi of the small intestine. Left untreated, Celiac Disease can lead to a number of complications ranging from bloating, diarrhea and anemia to infertility, intestinal cancers and the development of other auto-immune complications. The following documents and links provide an in-depth look at the disease process, complications and treatment of Celiac Disease.

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Celiac Disease

Co-Morbidities

Current Literature

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

 

Celiac Disease

  • CD: The Gluten Connection  (English)  (French)
    This booklet is written for those diagnosed with Celiac Disease, as well as their friends and family.  A publication intended to provide easy to understand information about Celiac Disease and steps that can be taken to manage the disease. Health Canada, Canadian Celiac Association and La fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque.
  • Hidden & Dangerous
    A summary of Celiac Disease, pathogenesis, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.  Prepared by the Professional Advisory Board of the Canadian Celiac Association.
  • NIH Consensus Statement
    This statement was created as a result of an evidence review and is based on presentations by experts, a systematic review of the medical literature provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and an extensive bibliography of Celiac Disease research papers, prepared by the National Library of Medicine.
  • Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign (NDDIC)
    Maintained by the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Find educational materials, resources, practice guidelines and up to date research information.
  • Celiac Disease Factsheet (NDDIC)
    This comprehensive, easy to read factsheet provides an overview of Celiac Disease prevalence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, common co-morbidities, treatment and the gluten free diet.
  • NASPGHAN Pediatric Guidelines
    Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Celiac Disease in Children: Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Hill et al. (Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 40:1-19 January 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia)
  • Celiac Disease Evidence Report
    This publication put forth by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is a broad systematic review addressing screening, prevalence/incidence, lymphoma, Celiac Disease testing, interventions and monitoring  of gluten free diets. Rostom A, Dubé C, Cranney A, Saloojee N, Sy R, Garritty C, Sampson M, Zhang L, Yazdi F, Mamaladze V, Pan I, McNeil J, Moher D, Mack D, Patel D. Celiac Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 104. (Prepared by the University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0021.) AHRQ Publication No. 04-E029-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. September 2004.

Co-Morbidities

  • Diabetes (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
    The association between Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes is highly documented throughout literature. This article reviews nutrition recommendations for diabetes management by the American Diabetes Association for healthy meal planning, carbohydrate counting, glycemic index, and tips for transitioning to a gluten-free, diabetic meal plan.
  • Osteoporosis
    Celiac Disease is now recognized as a common cause of osteoporosis. This document prepared by the CCA's Professional Advisory Board outlines the connection between Celiac Disease, the gluten free diet and osteoporosis.
  • Renal Failure (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
    Although rare, Celiac and Kidney Disease have been reported in the same individual. This article reviews renal dietary guidelines and provides suggestions on how to combine these guidelines with the management of Celiac Disease.
  • Cardiovascular Disease (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
    This article presents practical information for applying heart healthy principles to a gluten free diet.
  • Liver Abnormalities
    This review article focuses on the association between Celiac Disease, liver abnormalities and special considerations in diagnosis and treatment. This article also highlights research findings indicating individuals with Celiac Disease have a high incidence of non-response to standard Hepatitis B vaccinations, for consideration in patient follow-up. The Liver in Celiac Disease. By Alberto Rubio-Tapia and Joseph A. Murray (Hepatology 2007;46:1650-1658.)

Current Literature

  • The Canadian Celiac Health Survey
    by Ann Cranney, Marion Zarkadas, Ian D. Graham, J. Decker Butzner, Mohsin Rashid, Ralph Warren, Mavis Molloy, Shelley Case, Vernon Burrows, Connie Switzer,. Published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, April 2007.
  • Impact of a Gluten Free Diet on Adults
    by M. Zarkadas, A. Cranney, S. Case, M. Molloy, C. Switzer, I. D. Graham, J. D. Butzner, M. Rashid, R. E. Warren, V. Burrows. Online publication date: 31-Jan-2006.
  • Diagnosis & Dietary Compliance in Canadian Children
    by Mohsin Rashid, FRCP(C)*, Ann Cranney, FRCP(C), Marion Zarkadas, MSc, Ian D. Graham, PhD, Connie Switzer, FRCP(C), Shelley Case, BSc, Mavis Molloy, BSc, Ralph E. Warren, FRCP(C), Vernon Burrows, PhD, and J. Decker Butzner, FRCP(C). Published December 1, 2005.
  • Celiac Disease Review Article
    Dr. Peter Green and Dr. Christophe Cellier (N Engl J Med 2007;357:1731-43. Copyright ©2007 Massachusetts Medical Society) Drs. Green and Celier have prepared a 'current state' review of celiac disease. We thank NEJM for permission to reproduce this important article.
  • Osteoporosis
    Celiac Disease is now recognized as a common cause of osteoporosis. This document prepared by the CCA's professional advisory board outlines the connection between Celiac Disease, the gluten free diet and osteoporosis.
  • Safety of Vaccinations
    Celiac Disease does not present an increased risk for vaccination side effects. This brief article discusses reasons for potential concern among patients.
  • Gluten: Dietary Devil?
    "Patients who are closely followed by a coordinated, multidisciplinary healthcare team will most likely derive the most benefit. Pharmacists, as members of the team, can have a significant impact in assisting in the care and counselling of patients with CD." Dr. Anisha Lakhani, clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. August 2007 (vol.23, #8) Pharmacy Practice. We acknowledge Pharmacy Practice who granted permission to reproduce the article.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic skin manifestation of Celiac Disease affecting approximately 10% of people diagnosed with Celiac Disease. DH is characterized by a blistered, itchy rash and is often present in the absence of classic intestinal symptoms of Celiac Disease. The following links provide more information related to diagnosis, causes, symptoms and treatment.