gastrointestinal disorders
Celiac Disease
Epidemiology of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease mainly affects people of northern European descent. Prevalence estimates based on serologic screens among blood donors (sometimes confirmed by biopsy) indicate the disorder may be present in about 1/150 in Europe, especially in Ireland and Italy, and perhaps 1/250 in some parts of the United States. Current prevalence estimates in some regions are as high as 1/100. The disease affects about 10 to 20% of 1st-degree relatives. Female:male ratio is 2:1. Onset is generally in childhood but may occur later. Patients who have other diseases, such as lymphocytic colitis, Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) , 