Things are still crazy around here, so I’ve been neglecting my usual schedule. For now, let’s get back to it!
Poor and Inconsistent Medical Follow Up Common in Celiac Disease This study looked at the medical follow up treatment taking place for those diagnosed with Celiac Disease and found that only 35% of research subjects received follow up consistent with the American Gastroenterological Association’s guidelines. This leaves patients lacking in care, and feeling as if they need to handle their disease alone, suggesting a need for improved communication. As the article says: “The authors note that, since gastroenterologists are leading the way in the detection of celiac disease, and since it is a chronic condition, with possible long-term complications, improved communication between gastroenterologists and patients can help to ensure that patients get important follow-up care, and thus improve outcomes in celiac disease.”
More a compilation of other resources, this article speaks about the controversial idea that gluten may be a culprit behind many mood, personality, mental, or psychiatric conditions. As a social worker, and research, I am skeptical, but I know full well that there is a body mind connection. I think research in alternative areas to treatment is INCREDIBLY important and support effective research into these areas. If you want more insight this article has several links, including one to a video titles “Modern Wheat: A Perfect Chronic Poison”.
Race and Ethnicity studies recently have been showing some serious variations between rates of chronic diseases with in particular ethnic populations. This article and study, along with earlier studies mentioned here, suggest that Indian Asian populations have higher rates of Celiac Disease than white populations. What I find most interesting about this study though is the inclusion and consideration of cultural differences in not only diagnosis but also treatment of CD by adherence to a gluten free diet. I feel more research needs to be put into looking at how cultures understand and care for themselves with different chronic diseases.
Although not entirely new news, this article discusses many of the upcoming potential immunotherapy treatments for Celiac Disease that are currently in trial including NexVax2 and Larazotide acetate in an easier to understand manner than some previous articles.
