Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: Results of a national survey

OBJECTIVE: The clinical spectrum of adults with celiac disease in the Unite d States, where the disease is considered rare, is not known. We sought thi s information by distributing a survey. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed by way of a celiac newsletter, dir ectly to celiac support groups, and through the Internet. RESULTS: Respondents (1612) were from all United States except one. Seventy -five percent (1138) were biopsy proven. Women predominated (2.9:1). The ma jority of respondents were diagnosed in their fourth to sixth decades. Symp toms were present a mean of 11 yr before diagnosis. Diarrhea was present in 85%. Diagnosis was considered prompt by only 52% and 31% had consulted two or more gastroenterologists. Improved quality of life after diagnosis was reported by 77%. Those diagnosed at age greater than or equal to 60 yr also reported improved quality of life. Five respondents had small intestinal m alignancies (carcinoma 2, lymphoma 3) accounting for a relative risk of 300 (60-876) fur the development of lymphoma and 67 (7-240) for adenocarcinoma . CONCLUSIONS: Patients with celiac disease in the United States have a long duration of symptoms and consider their diagnosis delayed. Improved quality of life after diagnosis is common. An increased risk of developing small i ntestine malignancies is present. (Am J Gastroenterol 2001;96: 126-131. (C) 2001 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology).