Abstract
The present work is an epidemiology survey of celiac disease in the
province of Terni (Umbria, Italy) in 2002?2010. Data were collected
from the Local Health Unit (LHU) 4 (ASL 4), Terni database
and were extrapolated from the overall population of 232,540 (as
of 2010) by identifying residents with prescription charge exemptions
for celiac disease-oriented drugs. Prevalence and incidence
analysis over the timeframe being examined showed that prevalence
(330 cases in 2010) has consistently been increasing from 2002 to
2010, whereas incidence has remained essentially the same with
minor, yearly fluctuations. Both prevalence and incidence were
higher in females than in males. Most patients were diagnosed as
young adults, with the highest rates in the 10-14, 35-40 and 55-60
age groups. Thus, in the area of investigation, there is evidence for
consistent delayed diagnosis, raising the possibility that the atypical
form the disease, more difficult to recognize and more likely to
escape early diagnosis, may have become increasingly commoner
over time. Because the current prevalence of the disease in the Terni
area is estimated to approximate 1%, the anticipated number of
cases should amount to 2,325, which value contrasts with the currently
reported 330 diagnoses. It is suggested that the current illnessdefining
criteria should be revised so to implement early diagnosis
and improve the patients? quality of life and access to treatment.
