Mass population screening for celiac disease in children: the experience in Republic of San Marino from 1993 to 2009.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prevalence of celiac disease in developed countries is assessed about 1:100-1:150. The real prevalence is unknown because mass screenings are expensive and difficult to organize. Moreover celiac disease can affect people at every age and studies on asymptomatic subjects at different ages are not comparable. In this study we wanted to know the real prevalence of celiac disease in children in the Republic of San Marino. We also analysed concordance of different tests used and costs of mass screening.

Methods

The study started in 1993. From 1993 to 1997 children aged 6, 10 and 14 were screened. Since 1997 only children aged 6 were monitored, in order to have a homogeneous population. In fact, every child born since 1980 was taken into account. Children were recruited

SUBMITTER: Alessandrini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3875895 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature