Abstract

RATO, Beatriz  and  VERISSIMO, Manuel Teixeira. Celiac Disease in the Elderly. Medicina Interna [online]. 2021, vol.28, n.2, pp.53-61.  Epub Sep 01, 2021. ISSN 0872-671X.  https://doi.org/10.24950/r/293/20/2/2021.

Celiac disease is a chronic and autoimmune disorder that can occur at any age. Currently, a quarter of new diagnoses occur after the age of 60. The subtle clinical presentation with micronutrient deficits and osteopenia or osteoporosis, associated with the medical underestimation of this hypothesis leads to its underdiagnosis in the elderly. Celiac disease in old age may have a higher risk of association with autoimmune, lymphopro- liferative and cardiovascular diseases, with an impact on morbidity and mortality. Adherence to a gluten-free diet does not seem to be problematic and the quality of life does not appear to decrease. A multidisciplinary follow-up adapted to the patient is essential. In this review, the current evidence of celiac disease in the elderly is systematized, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic approach, in order to raise awareness and reduce the diagnostic delay.

Keywords : Aged; Celiac Disease.

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