Celiac Disease: A Challenging Disease Uneasy to Diagnose in Sub-Saharan Africa

Diallo Ibrahima, Coton Thierry

Abstract


AIM: Celiac disease is rarely described in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: From a series of 17 cases diagnosed between 2005 and 2007 in Djibouti, we describe our diagnosis an management difficulties. RESULTS: African ethnics represented 64.7%. Sex ratio (F/M) is 1.4, mean age 82 months, associated diseases in 47%. Anti-gliadine, anti-endomysium and anti-transglutaminase antibodies were positive in 100%, 66.6% and 100%. Upper digestive tract endoscopy was realized 4 times. Eleven patients (64.7%) began gluten free diet, 7 recovered. Two patients died (11.7%). CONCLUSION: CD is difficult to diagnose for technical reasons. GFD is successful thanks to parental continuous medical education.

Keywords


Celiac disease; Gluten; Djibouti; Eastern Africa

Full Text: PDF HTML

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.