Non-classical clinical presentation at diagnosis by male celiac disease patients of older age

Abstract Background . In a biopsy-proven adult celiac disease (CeD) cohort from the Netherlands, male patients were diagnosed with CeD at significantly older ages than female patients. Objectives To identify which factors contribute to diagnosis later in life and whether diagnostic delay influences improvement of symptoms after starting gluten-free diet (GFD). Methods We performed questionnaire study 211 (67:144, male:female) median age 41.8 years (interquartile range: 25–58) least Marsh 2 histology. Results Classical (diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain and/or weight loss) more frequent women men, but sex was not associated diagnosis. multivariate analysis, non-classical presentation (without any classical symptoms) negative family history significant predictors (coefficients 8 12 years, respectively). A >3 between first symptom slower start GFD, sex, or Conclusion Non-classical is prevalent men life. Recognizing sooner onset important because long GFD.