Justė Gudavičiūtė¹, Rapolas Gaižutis¹, Vilius Apanavičius¹

 

¹ Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine

Abstract

Celiac disease (gluten sensitive enteropathy) is an immune-mediated disorder that usually affects the small intestine.  Celiac disease is characterized by the presence of a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical manifestations  in genetically susceptible individuals. Gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption syndrome are the most common. However, the disease can damage other organ systems: endocrine, bone, nervous and others. Specific antibodies like tissue transglutaminase 2, endomysial, deaminated gliadin peptide and HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes are most likely to be detected. Histopathological examination of the small intestine is considered to be main diagnostic method. Celiac disease is an incurable disease. Therefore, patients must follow a strict gluten-free diet throughout their lives. Gluten-free diet eliminates the symptoms and helps to restore damaged mucous membrane of the small intestine.

Aim: To select and analyse expert recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of celiac disease in children.

Methods: The review of literature was conducted using the ,,PubMed‘‘ and  selecting publications investigating main causes, diagnostics and treatment recommendations for celiac disease in children.

Results: After analysis of the literature, main causes, diagnostics and treatment recommendations of  celiac disease in children are presented.

Keywords: paediatrics, gastroenterology, celiac disease, enteropathy.