A simple blood test can show within 10 minutes whether a child probably has celiac disease, according to a study by the LUMC and Jeugdgezondheidszorg Kennemerland. The researchers conclude that by using this rapid test at clinics, celiac disease can be diagnosed much earlier.
There is enormous underdiagnosis for celiac disease, mainly because the symptoms are very diverse. Earlier detection is important to start a gluten-free diet as early as possible to prevent complications such as malnutrition and growth retardation.
Researchers from the LUMC and 14 clinics in the Kennemerland region therefore investigated the use of rapid tests in the Gluten Screen project. They used a questionnaire to assess whether children (from 1 year of age) had symptoms that could indicate celiac disease. In case of symptoms, a rapid test based on a drop of blood was taken. About 40% of the Dutch population carries genes that cause celiac disease. The rapid test was used to determine the presence of these genes and therefore whether there could be celiac disease.
The rapid test diagnosed 7-11 times as many children with celiac disease as through regular care. The participating clinics and doctors are enthusiastic about using the rapid test, but the implementation is still encountering financial problems.
Source:
ZonMw
