Description
Osteoporosis is a common and important complication of coeliac disease. This condition of decreased bone mass is the cause of significant associated morbidity due to the increased fracture rate. It responds to treatment of the coeliac disease and also to specific therapies aimed at osteoporosis. In view of the potential severity of the condition, and the therapeutic options available, its diagnosis in those with coeliac disease is vital. However, because it is usually silent both clinically and on routine biochemical screening tests, it is a diagnosis that must be actively sought. In clinical practice this is getting easier due to increased awareness of osteoporosis and the improved availability of bone densitometry.
