Among a large cohort of adult patients with a diagnosis of celiac disease, >20% did not have a diagnosis based on a duodenal biopsy, a recent study found. Researchers analyzed data from iCureCeliac—a voluntary, patient-powered research network (PPRN)—from January 30, 2016 through August 25, 2016. They compared data from adults with a diagnosis of celiac disease (mean age 43.4 years, 85.6% female) based on biopsy analysis (n=780) vs patients with a diagnosis based only on serologic analysis (n=202) using univariable and multivariable analysis. They found:

• 21% of adult participants with celiac disease did not have a diagnosis based on a duodenal biopsy.
• Patients with a diagnosis based on serology results were more likely to be diagnosed by non-gastroenterologists, less likely to seek nutritional counseling, and more likely to use dietary supplements.