What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory reaction to gluten, a protein found in cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye. In genetically predisposed individuals, the immune
system responds abnormally to gluten ingestion, causing progressive damage to the lining of the small intestine and compromising proper nutrient absorption.
This sustained inflammatory process can lead to nutritional alterations and significantly affect quality of life if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
Most common symptoms
The clinical presentation of celiac disease is highly
variable and can manifest with both digestive and extraintestinal symptoms. Among the most frequent are:
- Recurrent abdominal pain
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Persistent fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, folic acid, among others)
It is important to note that some people may remain asymptomatic, even though intestinal damage continues to develop. For this reason, early diagnosis is fundamental.
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the probability of developing the disease:
- Genetic predisposition
- Family history of celiac disease
- Presence of other autoimmune diseases
- Persistent digestive symptoms without apparent cause
Early identification of these factors allows for proper guidance of the diagnostic study and prevents long-term complications.
Clinical approach to celiac disease
The diagnosis of celiac disease requires a
comprehensive approach combining clinical evaluation with specific
complementary tests. The approach includes:
- Detailed clinical history: Evaluation of digestive and extraintestinal
symptoms, family history, and possible comorbidities. - Serological tests: Determination of specific antibodies, such as IgA tissue anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies, fundamental in initial screening.
- Intestinal biopsy: In cases where indicated, it confirms the diagnosis through histological assessment of damage to the intestinal mucosa.
- Genetic study: Analysis of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes, associated with genetic predisposition to the disease. Their absence practically rules out celiac disease.
This multidisciplinary approach allows for an accurate diagnosis and the establishment of an individualized therapeutic strategy, primarily based on adopting a strict gluten-free diet, currently the only effective treatment.
Celiac disease genetic predisposition test
The genetic predisposition study analyzes the HLA system haplotypes associated with celiac disease, identifying the hereditary basis of risk.
This test is especially indicated if:
- You have frequent digestive symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain,
abdominal bloating, or constipation) without a conclusive diagnosis. - There is a family history of celiac disease.
- You have obtained inconclusive serological or histological results.
- You wish to reliably rule out your genetic predisposition.
At our clinical analysis laboratory, we are committed to a diagnosis based on scientific precision and the specialized interpretation of results, providing clear and rigorous information to support health-related decision-making.
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Genetic predisposition test for intolerances. Celiac disease