[A national online survey applied to patients with celiac disease in Chile]

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Its prevalence in Europe and the USA is 0.5 to 1%.

AIM

To analyze epidemiological aspects and degree of compliance with gluten-free diet (GFD) among Chilean individuals with CD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Subjects with confirmed or suspected CD were invited to answer an online survey published on the web at www.fundacionconvivir.cl. The answers were reinforced with a telephone interview.

RESULTS

The survey was answered by 1212 subjects (79% females). Median age at diagnosis was 25.8 years (range 1 to 84 years), with a bimodal curve with two peaks at less than 3 years and at 20 to 40 years of age. The diagnosis was made only by serologic markers in 9%, only by intestinal biopsy in 17.5%, and by a combination of both methods in 70%o. Conditions associated with CD were reported by 30% > of subjects and 20% > had relatives with CD. The GFD was strictly adhered to by 70% >, occasionally by 27% > and never by 3% >. Seventy five percent of subjects with a strict adherence to GFD had a favorable clinical response compared with 42% > of those with incomplete or lack of adherence (odds ratio 4.0, 95% > confidence intervals 2.8-5.7p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In 30% of respondents, the diagnosis of CD was not confirmed according to international guidelines that require serology and duodenal biopsy. One third of subjects recognized a poor compliance with GFD. Those with a strict adherence to it had a more favorable clinical course. However, 25% > did not experience a clinical improvement despite a strict GFD, a finding which requires further study.

[Costs of a basic food basket for celiac patients in Chile]

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease requires a strict gluten free diet for life for proper recovery. This results in higher feeding costs.

AIM

To analyze the cost of basic food basket (BFB) compared to a basket especially designed for celiac patients in Chile and to estimate the increment in food spending that these patients experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cost of a daily BFB was calculated using the National Socioeconomic Characterization Enquiry (CASEN) methodology of the Ministry of Planning and the food prices delivered by the National Institute of Statistics for consumers, adjusted according to consumer prices at june 2007. To calculate the cost of the basket for celiac disease, equivalent foods without gluten were considered. Their daily and monthly values and the percentage difference between them were analyzed, by food groups and type of basket.

RESULTS

The monthly value of BFB and a basket for a celiac is, at June 2007, Ch $ 30.251 and Ch $ 57.250, respectively. This represents an increase in feeding costs for celiac patients of 89%.

CONCLUSIONS

The greater cost of food without gluten represents limitation in the budget of celiac patients.