[Clinical profile of Santa Catarina members of Brazilian Celiac Association]. / Perfil clínico dos membros da associação dos celíacos do Brasil--regional de Santa Catarina (ACELBRA-SC).

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. AIM: To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent. RESULTS: From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7%) were enrolled in the study--all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8%), abdominal pain (71%) and diarrhea (65.5%). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1% of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 % had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7% did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4% had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65% of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33%). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45% and only 32.5% have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59% had altered results. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Perfil clínico dos membros da associação dos celíacos do Brasil: regional de Santa Catarina (ACELBRA-SC) / Clinical profile of Santa Catarina members of Brazilian Celiac Association

RACIONAL: A doença celíaca é afecção inflamatória do intestino delgado associada à intolerância permanente ao glúten, que ocorre em indivíduos geneticamente susceptíveis. OBJETIVO: Conhecer as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dessa doença em nosso meio. MÉTODO: Tratou-se de estudo descritivo transversal com amostra não-probabilística selecionada entre os membros da Associação dos Celíacos do Brasil - Regional de Santa Catarina, aos quais foi enviado questionário abrangendo diversos aspectos da doença. RESULTADOS: Dos 506 associados, 145 (28,7 por cento) foram incluídos no estudo - todos celíacos confirmados por biopsia. Suas idades variaram entre 3,3 e 82,5 anos (média de 30,8 anos). A maioria era do sexo feminino (proporção de 2 mulheres para 1 homem). A idade média ao diagnóstico foi de 16 anos para os homens e 26,7 para as mulheres. Os principais sintomas relatados foram distensão abdominal (71,8 por cento), dor abdominal (71 por cento) e diarréia (65,5 por cento). No sexo masculino, predominaram diarréia e déficit ponderal enquanto que no sexo feminino aftas, constipação e anemia. Apenas 42,1 por cento dos associados foram submetidos a biopsia em momento compatível com o diagnóstico correto de doença celíaca (44,2 por cento relataram biopsia somente em vigência de dieta já isenta de glúten e 11,7 por cento não souberam informar). Quanto aos testes sorológicos, 61,4 por cento realizaram pelo menos um teste. Doenças associadas ou complicações foram relatadas por 65,5 por cento; dessas, a mais freqüente foi a intolerância à lactose (33 por cento). Suplementação vitamínica ou mineral foi indicada em 45 por cento dos casos e 35,2 por cento foram submetidos a densitometria óssea. Desses, 59 por cento relataram um resultado alterado (osteopenia ou osteoporose). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados apontam para uma tendência de diagnóstico da doença celíaca em idades mais avançadas em nosso meio, especialmente entre as mulheres, e sugerem...

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. AIM: To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent. RESULTS: From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7 percent) were enrolled in the study - all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8 percent), abdominal pain (71 percent) and diarrhea (65.5 percent). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1 percent of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 percent had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7 percent did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4 percent had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65 percent of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33 percent). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45 percent and only 32.5 percent have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59 percent had altered results. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.