Epidemiology

Celiac 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 celiac disease is slightly less common in South America, the Middle East, Turkey, and sub-Saharan Africa and is rare in China and Japan.[1][7][5]​ Australia, New Zealand, Israel ,and India show the same seroprevalences and biopsy-confirmed rates of celiac disease as European and North American countries.[7] The incidence and prevalence of pediatric celiac 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 celiac disease was estimated to be 3.1% by the age of 15 years.[10]

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

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

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