THE INHERITANCE OF COELIAC DISEASE

Abstract

Summary Coeliac disease probably has a common aetiology in the patients who show a striking response to treatment on a gluten‐free diet. A genetic study is reported of eighty‐eight such patients attending the coeliac clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children between 1952 and 1958. No effect of maternal age, birth order or social class was found on the incidence of the disease. But a definite increase in the incidence was found in the near relations of patients. The risk in the general population is estimated to be about 1 in 3000. In contrast, 5 of 205 brothers and sisters, 2 of 85 fathers, 1 of 580 aunts and uncles, and 1 of 806 cousins had had proved coeliac disease or idiopathic steatorrhea. A few more relatives were probably affected. No increase in other gastro‐intestinal disorders, in allergic disorders, or in diabetes mellitus was found in the relatives. It is suggested that the family concentration is unlikely to be due simply to a common environment. But it is also probable that the genetic element in the causation of the disease is only a predisposition, and that additional unknown factors determine whether intolerance to gluten develops.