New Guidelines for Celiac Disease

Epidemiological data indicate that celiac disease affects about 1% of the population worldwide. The U.K. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence released a new guideline to address recognition of and testing for celiac disease in children and adults. This summary provides highlights of the guideline that are relevant to children and adolescents.

Offer serologic testing to patients with any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Chronic or intermittent diarrhea

• Failure to thrive

• Persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms

• Prolonged fatigue

• Sudden weight loss

• Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Offer serologic testing to patients with any of the following conditions:

• Autoimmune thyroid disease

• Dermatitis herpetiformis

• Irritable bowel …