Celiac disease in children

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by ingestion of the gluten fraction of wheat proteins and similar alcohol-soluble proteins of barley and rye in genetically susceptible subjects. For many years, celiac disease has been under diagnosed. However, because of today's greater knowledge of its presentations and the availability of new more accurate serologic tests, it is now known that CD is relatively common. Although CD can occur at any age, with a broad clinical spectrum affecting any organ, typical cases often manifest in infancy. This review aims to bring together the most significant current knowledge about this disease.