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Celiac Disease in the Elderly

  • Geriatrics (A Afzali and S Katz, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review highlights literature from the past several years and explores the impact on current understanding of celiac disease diagnosis, complications, and management in older adults.

Recent Findings

Celiac disease in the elderly is becoming increasingly prevalent but remains underdiagnosed, with a high potential burden of downstream morbidity and modestly increased risk of mortality. Clinical presentations are often related to extraintestinal symptoms and can be subtle. Duodenal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis in older adults, along with supporting serologies. Refractory celiac disease is a particular concern in the aging population, and treatment for this rare condition remains unsatisfactory. Older adults exhibit lower rates of mucosal healing, though the reasons for this are poorly understood.

Summary

Current understanding of celiac disease in the elderly continues to advance, though significant knowledge gaps persist. Large, prospective studies are needed to further characterize celiac disease pathogenesis, complications, and management in older adults.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Charlotte K. Ching MD, MA

  2. Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 180 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Benjamin Lebwohl MD, MS

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Correspondence to Benjamin Lebwohl MD, MS.

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Ching, C.K., Lebwohl, B. Celiac Disease in the Elderly. Curr Treat Options Gastro 20, 238–249 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-022-00397-8

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