Population level screening for celiac disease: is now the time?
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the benefits of a gluten-free diet for individuals with screening-identified celiac disease, particularly focusing on improvements in symptoms, nutrition, growth, bone health, and quality of life.
Results Summary
The study found that individuals with screening-identified celiac disease often had unrecognized symptoms and signs of impaired health, which improved with a gluten-free diet. Screening-identified individuals also reported favorable views on celiac disease screening programs.
Population
Individuals with screening-identified celiac disease, including those with subclinical or asymptomatic presentations.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gluten-free diet | decrease | previously unrecognized symptoms | individuals with screening-identified celiac disease | - | improved | #1 |
gluten-free diet | increase | signs of impaired nutrition | individuals with screening-identified celiac disease | - | improved | #2 |
gluten-free diet | increase | signs of impaired growth | individuals with screening-identified celiac disease | - | improved | #3 |
gluten-free diet | increase | signs of impaired bone health | individuals with screening-identified celiac disease | - | improved | #4 |
gluten-free diet | increase | signs of impaired quality of life | individuals with screening-identified celiac disease | - | improved | #5 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As incidence and prevalence of celiac disease is increasing, subclinical and asymptomatic presentations are more commonly identified through celiac disease screening. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force released a statement in 2017 maintaining that there is insufficient evidence to recommend general population screening for celiac disease for asymptomatic individuals. This review summarizes the current available evidence on celiac disease screening. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature demonstrates that by limiting screening to individuals with recognized symptoms, celiac disease diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed entirely. Most individuals with screening-identified celiac disease have previously unrecognized symptoms that improve through treatment with a gluten-free diet. Screening-identified individuals also demonstrate signs of impaired nutrition, growth, bone health, and quality of life which improve with treatment. Overall, celiac disease screening is viewed favorably by those identified through celiac disease screening programs. SUMMARY: Individuals with screening-identified celiac disease may still incur complications from untreated disease and receive benefit from treatment with a gluten-free diet. More data is needed to determine the cost effectiveness of different mass screening approaches that incorporate the societal perspective towards screening.