Gluten-related disorders: Monitoring and follow-up

Gluten-free diet is the cornerstone in the management of celiac disease (CeD) and other gluten related disoders (GRDs); which entails that no gluten-containing food, beverages, or medications may be ingested. Although compliance is often difficult, the majority of patients manage to follow diet without problems. CeD is a serious medical condition that requires a long-term follow-up plan to achieve a good quality of life and to prevent complications. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the follow-up of patients with GRD with special emphasis on adult-onset CeD. Practical recommendations for the out-patient management will be discussed. Also, we will focus on the management of pediatric celiac especially on the transition period from adolescence to adulthood. Briefly, the follow-up of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and nonceliac gluten sensitivity will be outlined. A structured follow-up scheme will be provided illustrating required laboratory tests, timing, and indications for bone mineral density and second biopsy.