Effect of gluten-free diet on splenic hypofunction of adult coeliac disease. Issue 3 (March 1983)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corazza, G R; Frisoni, M; Vaira, D; Gasbarrini, G
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 24:Issue 3(1983)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 1983-03
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.24.3.228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Splenic function has been serially measured by counting pitted red cells in 15 coeliac patients, before and during a gluten-free diet. The basal percentage values of pitted cells decreased significantly during treatment but no correlation was observed between the duration of the gluten-free diet and the percentage of recovery of splenic function over basal values. Out of six coeliacs with pitted cell values consistent with splenic hypofunction, three showed a total recovery after gluten withdrawal. Our data suggest that, contrary to recent reports, hyposplenism in adult coeliac disease is improved by a gluten-free diet, and that environmental factors may be important in determining and maintaining this complication.