Grant: Fellowship - Priority Announcement: Gastroenterology

Celiac disease is a common disease associated with symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue and laboratory abnormalities such as iron deficiency. It is defined by small intestinal villous atrophy and inflammation. The only treatment is a gluten free diet, which can be challenging because gluten is present in many common foods. Celiac disease and the requirements of a gluten free diet can affect how individuals manage day to day. There has been research looking at some of the effects, but there is still much to learn about ways to support those with celiac disease in managing their disease effectively. Persons with celiac disease must be assessed regularly to ensure they are following a gluten free diet and to check for nutrition and health complications that may develop. Repeat intestinal biopsy is the only accurate test of whether the intestine is healing and there is a need for less invasive tests. Two possibilities that have not been well explored are proteins and microparticles. Microparticles are small fragments of cell membranes from stimulated cells. In this study of 125 adults with celiac disease, physical outcomes, psychological functioning, and behavioral adjustments to the disease will be measured at diagnosis and 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. This will help to determine how quality of life is affected by having celiac disease, as well as what helps people to be successful in managing the disease. Blood samples will also be analysed to identify proteins and microparticles which are sensitive and specific markers of changes seen on intestinal biopsies. This study will map the processes whereby individuals adjust to celiac disease and determine new medical tests and better methods to support individuals with celiac disease. Identification of these factors will lead to better clinical management tools and education strategies that would improve the quality of life and health of individuals with celiac disease.