Study of adherence to the gluten-free diet in coeliac patients

Abstract

The following of a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) is essential in the control of coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to determine the adherence to a GFD in coeliac patients and to evaluate the factors that could influence this adherence. A descriptive observational study was carried out, in which gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) were determined in faeces using a semi-quantitative method, and the Coeliac Dietary Adherence Test was completed. Sociodemographic and clinical details were collected, and an ad hoc questionnaire was prepared. Of the 80 patients included, 92.5% were adherent according to the GIP and 86.3% according to Coeliac Dietary Adherence Test (acceptable agreement; Kappa: 0.31, P = .004). The large majority (83.3%) of patients with positive GIP gave negative anti-transglutaminase antibodies in the latest determination. Current age and time of onset were significantly associated with adherence. Those with a positive GIP had a mean age of 5 years more (P = .0001) and were 52 months more on a GFD (P = .025). One quarter of those surveyed considered the diet difficult to follow. Just under two-thirds (60%) considered that the variability in the eating site was an important factor in leading to infringements, with children’s parties being the main area where they occurred (66.7%). The lack of variety (61.4%) and the increased cost (98.6%) of gluten-free foods is highlighted. The adherence to the GFD is generally good. The analysis of GIP helps to detect non-adherent patients that would pass unnoticed in other circumstances. Measures must be established in order to maintain good long-term adherence, taking into account the risk factors and difficulties detected. La realización estricta de una dieta sin gluten (DSG) es fundamental para el control de la enfermedad celiaca. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la adherencia a la DSG en celiacos y evaluar factores que pudieran influir en la misma. Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se realizó una determinación de péptidos inmunogénicos del gluten (GIP) en heces con método semicuantitativo y se cumplimentó el cuestionario Celiac Dietary Adherence Test. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y se elaboró una encuesta ad hoc. Se incluyeron 80 pacientes. El 92,5% eran adherentes mediante GIP y 86,3% con Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (concordancia aceptable; Kappa: 0,31, p = 0,004). El 83,3% de los pacientes con GIP positivos tenía la última determinación de anticuerpos antitransglutaminasa negativos. La edad actual y el tiempo de evolución se asociaron significativamente con la adherencia. Aquellos con GIP positivos tenían de media 5 años más (p = 0,0001) y llevaban 52 meses más de DSG (p = 0,025). Una cuarta parte de los encuestados consideraba difícil realizar la dieta. El 60% consideraba que la variabilidad en el lugar de comida era importante para inducir transgresiones, siendo las fiestas infantiles el principal lugar donde sucedían (66,7%). Se destaca la escasa variedad (61,4%) y el elevado coste (98,6%) de los alimentos sin gluten. La adherencia a la DSG es en general, buena. El análisis de GIP permitió detectar a pacientes no adherentes que en otras circunstancias pasarían desapercibidos. Se deben establecer medidas para mantener una buena adhesión de manera prolongada, considerando los factores de riesgo y dificultades detectados.

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