DIFFERENT FEATURES OF CELIAC-DISEASE IN 2 NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

Against the background of reported different trends of incidence and p resentation of coeliac disease in Sweden and Finland, a joint study wa s done to explore potential causes. The clinical study confirmed that classical symptoms and diagnosis before 2 years of age dominated in Sw eden. In Finland, the symptoms were more diffuse and diagnosis in most cases was made after the age of 8 years. A significantly lower weight score attained at diagnosis was seen in Swedish patients compared wit h Finnish. No significant difference in HLA expression was found. Infa nt feeding was investigated by studying food records of healthy infant s. Swedish infants ingested three times more wheat protein at 9 months and twice as much at 12 months compared with Finnish children. It is concluded that the intake of infant cereal protein might influence whe n and how clinical coeliac disease appears. The question whether or no t it is important for if coeliac disease will be acquired still remain s to be answered.