Epidemiology

Coeliac disease is a common disorder in the US and in Europe. A relatively uniform prevalence has been found in many countries, with pooled global seroprevalence and biopsy-confirmed prevalence of 1.4% and 0.7%, respectively, according to well-designed studies.[1][2][3][4][5][6]​​​ Although seroprevalence is similar globally, biopsy-confirmed coeliac disease is slightly less common in South America, the Middle East, Turkey, and sub-Saharan Africa and is rare in China and Japan.[1][5]​[7]​​ Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and India show the same seroprevalences and biopsy-confirmed rates of coeliac disease as European and North American countries.[7] The incidence and prevalence of paediatric coeliac disease is increasing in Europe, particularly in northern Europe.[8][9]​ The incidence may also be rising in the US; based on a screening study of children in Denver, Colorado, the cumulative incidence of coeliac disease was estimated to be 3.1% by the age of 15 years.[10]

Women are slightly more likely to be affected by coeliac disease.[1][11] Although the most common age at diagnosis in the US is about 40 years, coeliac disease may be diagnosed at any age.[12][13]

The prevalence of asymptomatic coeliac disease is thought to account for at least 20% of patients. The prevalence of refractory coeliac disease among patients with coeliac disease is less than 1%.[14]

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