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In a message dated 7/21/99 9:03:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time, AOL News writes:
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Nearly One Million Americans May be Suffering From Celiac Disease and Not
Yet Realize It
Initial Research Indicates Genetic Digestive Disorder Strikes One in 300,
Not One in 2,500 as Previously Estimated by U.S. Medical Community
PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help raise
awareness of the prevalence of celiac disease in the U.S. population,
MenuDirect Corporation today announced its support of research being
conducted at the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland
School of Medicine. Headed by Drs. Alessio Fasano, M.D. and Karoly Horvath,
M.D., Ph.D., preliminary data from the Center for Celiac Research suggests
the prevalence of celiac disease in the U.S. population is approximately
1:300, not 1:2,500 as commonly accepted by the U.S. medical community.
Celiac disease is a genetic disorder characterized by an intolerance to
gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and possibly
oats. Ingestion of gluten by those affected with celiac disease can damage
the intestines and result in a number of debilitating effects including
malabsorption of critical nutrients and severe diarrhea. Beyond the
gastrointestinal system, celiac disease can trigger a wide range of symptoms
such as joint pain, anemia, skin lesions and neurological symptoms such as
irritability and unexplained seizures. In children, celiac disease can cause
unexplained weight loss and failure to grow. For more information on
diagnosing and living with celiac disease, consumers can call toll-free,
877-CELIACS, or log on to http://www.celiacsoultions.com.
"There is a misconception among the medical community in the United States
that celiac disease is not prevalent here," said Dr. Fasano, director of the
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at the University of
Maryland School of Medicine. "Our preliminary research suggests that celiac
disease may be rarely diagnosed in the United States instead of rarely
occurring."
Dr. Fasano recognized that the European medical community acknowledges
celiac disease as the most common inherited metabolic disorder, affecting
about one in every 300 Europeans, particularly those of Irish, Scottish,
English and Italian origin. Given the millions of American who share these
common ancestries, the Center for Celiac Research launched preliminary
research involving the testing of some 2,000 blood samples from U.S. blood
banks. The results of that research suggest prevalence consistent with that
found in Europe.
Because of the high degree of awareness of the disease in Europe, on
average, symptoms of celiac disease lead to a diagnosis in six weeks.
However, in the United States, the average time for a diagnosis is reportedly
ten years.
The testing process for celiac disease can include a serology test for
antibodies specific for celiac disease, although only an intestinal biopsy
can definitively confirm diagnosis. Currently, there is no medication or
medical treatment for celiac disease. Once detected, the condition is only
controlled with a life-long adherence to a strict, gluten-free diet.
Drs. Fasano and Horvath at the Center for Celiac Research recently launched
a five-year, nationwide epidemiological study to build on their initial
research and definitively determine the prevalence of celiac disease in the
United States. In addition to the University of Maryland School of Medicine,
other institutions participating in the study and serving as screening
centers for volunteer participants include Columbia Presbyterian Medical
Center in New York City, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC),
the University of Texas, Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and Bowman
Gray Medical Center in North Carolina. The study is funded largely through
private donations.
Dr. Fasano encourages physicians or patients to contact the Center for
Celiac Research if there is a suspicion that the disease is present, if a
first- or second-degree relative has been diagnosed with celiac disease or if
they wish to participate in the study. "Patients or physicians are welcome
to contact the center and come in to have blood drawn or send a blood sample
for screening," he said. For more information about the Center for Celiac
Research or its study, contact the Center at 410-706-2715, or visit
http://www.celiaccenter.org on the Internet.
MenuDirect Corporation, based in Piscataway, New Jersey, is the premier
provider of home-based nutritional services to people on medically restricted
diets. Through its Dietary Specialties subsidiary, the company provides
gluten and wheat-free meal solutions designed for individuals living with
celiac disease and wheat allergies, as well as low-protein foods for people
on protein restricted diets for conditions such as PKU.
For more information on MenuDirect, its products or living with restricted
diets, please visit the company's website at http://www.menudirect.com, or
call toll-free 888-Menu123. >>
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