CELIAC DISEASE AND DOWN SYNDROME

Celiac disease is immune related disorder of small bowel which is seen in genetically predisposed people and isdue to permanent intolerance to wheat gliadins and other cereal prolaminsalso known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or non-tropical sprue. In 1888, it was first described byDr. Samuel Gee and in Greek means koiliakaos-abdominal. Dicke in1950 highlighted association between the consumption of bread, cereals and diarrhea which improved after stoppage of wheat intake. Thediagnosed cases of celiac disease represent just a tip of iceberg and rest 90% are hidden and undiagnosed. Celiac disease is confirmed by clinical symptoms, serology, endoscopy, histopathological diagnosis and resolution of symptoms after gluten restricted diet. Celiac disease requires life-long gluten restrictionthus, compliance rate varies between 50% to 90%,and is slightly more in elderly & females. As per available data, there is association between coeliac disease and Downs syndrome. Therefore, while evaluating associations of Downs Syndrome, coeliac disease should not be missed.