Celiac Sprue: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

• The evaluation begins with a medical history and physical examination.
  
• Blood testing can be used to screen for antibodies that commonly occur in celiac disease. Blood tests may also reveal anemia.
  
• If the diagnosis is in doubt after blood testing, a biopsy of the small intestine will establish the diagnosis. Rarely, a follow–up biopsy may be performed for comparison after the patient has followed a gluten–free diet for three to six months.
  

Treatment

• The cornerstone of treatment is to avoid dietary gluten (see Nutritional Considerations).
  
• In patients who do not respond to gluten avoidance, treatment with steroid medications may be necessary.