Symposium 1: Joint BAPEN and British Society of Gastroenterology Symposium on ‘Coeliac disease: basics and controversies’ Dietitians are better than clinicians in following up coeliac disease: Conference on ‘Malnutrition matters’

• Published in: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2009-08, Vol.68 (3), p.249-251
• Main Authors: Stuckey, Claire, Lowdon, Jacqui, Howdle, Peter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diet; Gluten; Health care; Lymphoma; Osteoporosis
• ISSN: 0029-6651; 1475-2719
• DOI: 10.1017/S0029665109001347

It seems obvious to healthcare professionals that patients with coeliac disease should receive regular follow-up. Surprisingly, there is little evidence that patients benefit in terms of reduced morbidity or mortality. However, several authoritative bodies have published guidelines on the management of coeliac disease that recommend regular follow-up. There is good evidence that compliance with a gluten-free diet reduces the risk of complications such as osteoporosis or small bowel lymphoma. Compliance is enhanced particularly by education about the disease and the gluten-free diet and by support from peers or professionals. Such input can be provided by regular follow-up, which thereby should improve compliance and hence long-term health. The consensus of the recommendations for follow-up suggests an annual review by a physician and dietitian. At annual follow-up the disease status can be checked and nutritional advice can be given, including checking the adequacy of, and the compliance with, the gluten-free diet. Complications and associated medical conditions can be sought, genetic risks explained and support and reassurance given. Specialist dietitians have particular expertise in relation to diet and nutritional management; specialist clinicians have a broader range of expertise in many aspects of management of the disease. A team approach for providing follow-up is the ideal, with a clinician and dietitian, both with expertise in coeliac disease, being involved. No one particular group of healthcare professionals is necessarily better than the other at providing follow-up.