326 INCIDENCE OF COELIAC DISEASE CONTINUES TO INCREASE IN SOUTH GLAMORGAN

A. Beale, R. Crimmins, G.L. Swift, P.M. Smith. Department of Gastroenterology, Llandough Hospital, Cardiff, UK

Introduction: The Coeliac Society is reporting increasing numbers of new members each year, a large proportion of whom are adults at diagnosis. It is unsure whether this is simply due to greater exposure of the `coeliac iceberg' or reflects a genuine increase in disease.

Aims: We assessed all new cases of coeliac disease (CD) diagnosed in South Glamorgan between 1996 and 2000, identified their characteristics and presenting features and compared these to figures obtained between 1981 and 1995 in the same area.

Method: Data was obtained from clinical, pathology, dietetic and GP records in the area. Ethical approval was given Bro Taf LREC.

Results: In our population area of approximately 420 000, 125 new cases of coeliac disease were diagnosed between 1996 and 2000. Of these, 112 were adults (90%) and 13 were children at diagnosis. Whilst the number of children has remained stable there has been a significant increase in the number of adults compared to those in the previous 3 quinquennia (see table⇓). There was a male:female ratio of 1:2. The mean age at diagnosis in adults was 53yrs, with 68 (61%) of the adult patients aged over 50 and 20 (18%) aged over 70. 30 (24%) of all patients had a known affected first degree relative. The single most common presenting complaint was anaemia (50%) and 23 (20%) of the adults had osteoporosis at diagnosis. 14 (11%) had another autoimmune disorder.

Conclusion: There has been a large increase in new cases of coeliac disease in South Glamorgan over the last quinquennia. This appears to be due to the large number of new adult patients including many aged over 70 at diagnosis. It is vital that all clinicians have increased …