Celiac Registry of India Launched
9 Nov : The inaugural meeting of Celiac Registry of India was held at PGI, yesterday. The registry has been launched by Gastroenterologist, Pediatricians and allied specialists from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Over 50 founder members of the Registry attended the meeting.
The Celiac Registry of India has been started with the objectives of generating awareness about celiac disease among physicians of the area and to coordinate patient education programs. Celiac disease, is an autoimmune disease resulting in intolerance to wheat which contains the protein gluten, explained Prof. B.R.Thapa, Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology at PGI and Coordinator of the Registry. While it was felt that this disease afflicts primarily children, now increasing number of adult patients are being diagnosed. Prof.Ajit Sood, from DMC, Ludhiana showed his data on school children of whom 1/300 are affected by the disease. He called that a high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose this disease. While diarrhea and weight loss are common symptoms, an increasing number of patients present with atypical symptoms like iron deficiency anemia, short stature, thyroid disorders or bony pains etc. Dr. Sood also said that in a study from England. Punjabis have been shown to harbour this disease four times more than the Europeans.
A number of lectures were organized at the meeting to enlighten the members about hematological, endocrinological and gynecological aspects of the disease. Dr. Pankaj Malhotra showed that one third of refractory iron deficiency anemias at PGI are caused by Celiac disease. Dr. Sanjaya Bhadada said that celiac disease is the single most important cause of short stature in patients seeking help at Endocrine clinic at PGI. Dr.Sikka said that Celiac disease is not an infrequent cause of menstrual disorders and even infertility
Prof.R.Kochhar from PGI, explained that the Registry will creat a dietetic help line for patients of celiac disease. As withdrawl of wheat and wheat products is the only treatment of celiac disease, dietary counselling is the most important component of management. He also proposed to hold a Celiac Day, when patients will be served wheat free recipes to emphasize the fact that patients have a lot of dietary choices. Dr. Usha Dutta said that an internet-based support group will be launched at assist the physicians and patients.
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