Adult-Onset Celiac Disease

A Finnish study shows that celiac disease can affect adults for the first time, rather than striking in childhood. Dr. Anitta Vilppula and her team at the Päijät-Häme Central Hospital examined 2,815 people over the age of 55 who had tests for celiac disease in 2002, and of that group 2,216 had been screened again in 2005. Of the group screened in 2002, 2.13% had celiac disease, compared with 2.43% in 2006. Researchers concluded that the disease could hit later in life, creating digestive problems for the elderly. Doctors should be aware that adult-onset celiac disease can affect the elderly. Reuters, July 24, 2009 
2009-08-04 19:22:16