Coeliac disease (CD), considered as an autoimmune disease with genetic predisposition can occur at any age. Several types can be observed: a) typical cases presenting early in life with signs of intestinal malabsorption; b() atypical cases showing milder, often extraintestinal symptoms; c() silent cases that are occasionally discovered because of serological screening and (d) potential/latent cases showing isolated positivity of celiac serology at first testing and eventually the typical

more »

... nal damage later in life. To date, the method of choice to make a diagnosis is the dosage of anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies (including total IgA to prevent false negative results), followed by intestinal biopsy. Addition of moderate amounts of oats to a gluten-free diet does not prevent clinical or small bowel mucosal healing in children.