Study of adherence to the gluten-free diet in coeliac patients

Introduction: The following of a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) is essential in the control of coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to determine the adherence to a GFD in coeliac patients and to evaluate the factors that could influence this adherence. Material and methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out, in which gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) were determined in faeces using a semi-quantitative method, and the Coeliac Dietary Adherence Test was completed. Sociodemographic and clinical details were collected, and an ad hoc questionnaire was prepared. Results: Of the 80 patients included, 92.5% were adherent according to the GIP and 86.3% according to Coeliac Dietary Adherence Test (acceptable agreement; Kappa: 0.31, P = .004). The large majority (83.3%) of patients with positive GIP gave negative anti-transglutaminase antibodies in the latest determination. Current age and time of onset were significantly associated with adherence. Those with a positive GIP had a mean age of 5 years more (P = .0001) and were 52 months more on a GFD (P = .025). One quarter of those surveyed considered the diet difficult to follow. Just under two-thirds (60%) considered that the variability in the eating site was an important factor in leading to infringements, with children’s parties being the main area where they occurred (66.7%). The lack of variety (61.4%) and the increased cost (98.6%) of gluten-free foods is highlighted. Conclusions: The adherence to the GFD is generally good. The analysis of GIP helps to detect non-adherent patients that would pass unnoticed in other circumstances. Measures must be established in order to maintain good long-term adherence, taking into account the risk factors and difficulties detected. Resumen: Introducción: La realización estricta de una dieta sin gluten (DSG) es fundamental para el control de la enfermedad celiaca. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la adherencia a la DSG en celiacos y evaluar factores que pudieran influir en la misma. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se realizó una determinación de péptidos inmunogénicos del gluten (GIP) en heces con método semicuantitativo y se cumplimentó el cuestionario Celiac Dietary Adherence Test. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y se elaboró una encuesta ad hoc. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 pacientes. El 92,5% eran adherentes mediante GIP y 86,3% con Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (concordancia aceptable; Kappa: 0,31, p = 0,004). El 83,3% de los pacientes con GIP positivos tenía la última determinación de anticuerpos antitransglutaminasa negativos. La edad actual y el tiempo de evolución se asociaron significativamente con la adherencia. Aquellos con GIP positivos tenían de media 5 años más (p = 0,0001) y llevaban 52 meses más de DSG (p = 0,025). Una cuarta parte de los encuestados consideraba difícil realizar la dieta. El 60% consideraba que la variabilidad en el lugar de comida era importante para inducir transgresiones, siendo las fiestas infantiles el principal lugar donde sucedían (66,7%). Se destaca la escasa variedad (61,4%) y el elevado coste (98,6%) de los alimentos sin gluten. Conclusiones: La adherencia a la DSG es en general, buena. El análisis de GIP permitió detectar a pacientes no adherentes que en otras circunstancias pasarían desapercibidos. Se deben establecer medidas para mantener una buena adhesión de manera prolongada, considerando los factores de riesgo y dificultades detectados.