IDIOPATHIC CELIAC DISEASE

Abstract

The mortality and course of the illness of 58 patients with celiac disease, previously reported, are described. Three patients died; the remaining 55 went on to clinical recovery. The greatest clinical gains were made by these cases in the 6 to 24 months following initiation of treatment, but the abnormal character of the stools persisted for months or years. Relapses were not uncommon during the early years of improvement following upper respiratory infections or dietary indiscretions. The results of the follow-up study of 23 patients, 3 to 11 years after the original admission to Babies Hospital, are reported. It was found that despite remission of clinical symptoms, many abnormal laboratory and roentgenographic findings persisted (termed "latent phase of celiac disease"). It is reasonable to expect that some patients who have had severe celiac disease during infancy or early childhood may experience a recurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in adult life.