New coeliac disease treatment guidelines

There are no reliable data on the extent to which coeliac disease is misdiagnosed in adults and children, however the possible long-term health consequences of undiagnosed coeliac disease are serious. The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has published new guidelines for the treatment and care of people with clinical signs and symptoms of coeliac disease in England and Wales.

The guidelines include a scheme of investigation to follow when making the diagnosis. It is expected that implementation of the guideline recommendations will lead to many new cases being diagnosed and much ill health being alleviated.

The 86 page document, available for download from www.nice.org.uk, is intended to be relevant to healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care. Discussion of serological testing forms basis of the guidance, with recommendations and consideration as to when to offer it, who it is appropriate for and the cost effectiveness of it. The document also details the prevalence of coeliac disease, provides a comprehensive 'care pathway' decision tree and reviews conditions which coexist with coeliac disease.

A series of clinical recommendations is set out, based on evidence included in the document.