Celiac Sprue, Small Bowel Biopsy Photo by Ed UthmanGiven that patients diagnosed with celiac disease carry the diagnosis for a lifetime, it is important to have a solid understanding of what having celiac disease means in the long-term. Yet such management of these patients has been poorly detailed in the peer-reviewed literature such that a consensus could be gleaned in areas such as bone health, hematologic issues, endocrine problems, liver disease, nutritional issues, and testing.
Fortunately Snyder et al. (10.1542/peds.2015-3147) have remedied that situation by providing an evidence-based review of the relevant literature (600 reviewed papers of which 173 met criteria for inclusion) that then influenced a panel of experts to determine with excellent consensus how to best manage celiac disease. While the recommendations made in this manuscript are not those of the AAP, they are ones that are well worth paying attention to—and may be the best compendium of how to manage celiac disease and its many facets that we have.
A commentary by gastroenterologists Drs. Ediger and Hill (10.1542/peds.2016-1311) frame the perspective of how this article can help us manage this disease and its many complications. This is an important special article and commentary that will likely become the definitive reference for how we treat children with celiac disease now and into the future. Sadly Dr. Snyder, lead author of this paper and chief of pediatric GI at National Children’s Hospital passed away in a tragic accident just after this manuscript was accepted. This article is certainly one part of his legacy of contributions to the field. He will be missed greatly by his colleagues and friends—and it is most meaningful that his co-authors now dedicate this article in his memory.