Med. praxi. 2024;21(1):8-12 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2023.046

Celiac disease today

MUDr. Jitka Prokešová

Interní gastroenterologická klinika, FN Brno a Lékařská fakulta MU Brno

It is a typical representative of autoimmune disease. We know the triggering trigger of the disease, the pathophysiological basis. We can identify genetically susceptible individuals, antibody response and histopathological changes in the small intestinal mucosa. Lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet remains the only possible treatment. Currently, we observe a sharp increase in prevalence in both the paediatric and adult population. This can certainly be attributed to better and more accessible diagnostics, both endoscopic and laboratory. The wide availability and accessibility of gluten-free foods and the possibility of eating in restaurants has significantly improved the quality of life of patients. Nevertheless, in the Czech Republic, the main problem and challenge to be addressed is the possibility of catering in school canteens of both primary and secondary schools, in order to correct the discriminatory position of patients in terms of partial reimbursement of gluten-free food from public health insurance. The challenge for the future is careful family screening and screening in high-risk groups with the aim of introducing a gluten-free diet as soon as possible with a reduction in the risk of secondary complications.

Keywords: celiac disease, celiac sprue, gluten­‑sensitive enteropathy.

Received: September 5, 2023; Revised: November 7, 2023; Accepted: November 15, 2023; Published: March 6, 2024  Show citation