Celiac Disease and the Transition from Childhood to Adulthood: A 28-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Most patients diagnosed with celiac in childhood receive no medical or dietary supervision after transition to adulthood. One-third are not compliant with diet; the primary motivating factor for those who do comply is avoidance of symptoms rather than fear of complications. The prevalence of preventable and treatable disorders in these young adults highlights a failure of health services after transition from pediatric to adult health care.