Coeliac disease prevalence may be over-estimated

Monday, 29 November 2010 11:37

Recent estimates have put the prevalence of coeliac disease in the general population of the Western world at 1 out of 100 people. Researchers in Italy have conducted a systematic review of published papers in an attempt to determine the true prevalence of coeliac disease.

The review findings suggest 6.2 % of the general population, or 1/160 people, have coeliac disease, but this figure appears to vary widely depending on the criteria used to diagnose the condition. The authors of the review raised concerns that determination of tissue transglutaminase antibodies levels is being used as the only diagnostic tool in many cases. While antibodies to tissue transglutaminase are found in patients with coeliac disease, these antibodies are also associated with several other conditions. It is therefore likely the prevalence of coeliac disease in the general population has been over-estimated.

Reference: Biagi F et al. 2010. Annals of Medicine. Vol42(8) pp. 557-61.