Hyposplenism in celiac disease. Role of a gluten-free diet
Vázquez, H.; Martínez, C.; Xavier, L.; Mazure, R.; Boerr, L.; Bai, J.
Acta Gastroenterologica Latinoamericana 21(1): 17-21
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9033 PMID: 1811400 Document Number: 383647
Hyposplenism is a common complication of adult celiac disease. A study of splenic function in 17 adult patients with celiac disease was performed both before and during treatment with a gluten-free diet. Splenic hypofunction was assessed evaluating morphological changes in red cells (Howell-Jolly bodies, spherocytosis, achantocytosis). The hyposplenic changes were compared with: age of patients, duration of symptoms previous to diagnosis, severity of the clinical picture and histological response to treatment. We concluded that 82.4% of patients had hyposplenic changes and that there was a non significant tendency to improve such changes by a strict adherence to gluten-free diet.