Coeliakie: emancipatie van een kinderziekte

Coeliac disease: emancipation of a childhood disease

Our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of coeliac disease has improved significantly in the last decades and simultaneously the prevalence of the disease has increased enormously, therefore, the new Dutch practice guideline on coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis is very welcome, because it informs the medical society regarding the new scientific insights and provides helpful tools for clinical practice. However, a few remarks are warrantable. For example: the prevalence rates for coeliac disease of 0.5 to 1.3% of the total Dutch population are disputable and the definition of ‘clinical suspicion of coeliac disease’ calls for clarification. Furthermore, with regard to the follow-up of patients: who does what, and how often is still to be defined.