The Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management of Coeliac Disease in New Zealand.
Kenrick, Kristin Mary

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Kenrick, K. M. (2019). The Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management of Coeliac Disease in New Zealand. (Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy). University of Otago. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/9415
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/9415
Abstract:
BackgroundCoeliac disease, an autoimmune-mediated sensitivity to gluten, is known to affect at least 1% of the population. It is widely acknowledged that it is underdiagnosed, and that management beyond the implementation of a gluten-free diet is inconsistent, despite there being several guidelines now available. This study investigated these issues as they relate to the New Zealand context, testing the hypothesis “that general practitioners in New Zealand have limited disease-specific knowledge about coeliac disease.”
MethodsSurveys of New Zealand general practitioners and gastroenterologists were undertaken, investigating their likely practices with respect to a range of variables associated with the recognition, diagnosis, and management of coeliac disease. Nine years of data from one of New Zealand’s major laboratories, relating to testing for coeliac disease were also audited.
ResultsGeneral practitioners in New Zealand have patchy knowledge about whom to test for coeliac disease, and how to diagnose and manage the condition. There is also a lack of consistency among gastroenterologists about aspects of its management. However, rates of testing for coeliac disease have steadily increased over time in the majority of regions examined, and its incidence is high in Otago-Southland. Furthermore, when people with very high coeliac antibody levels are biopsied, they almost always have evidence of coeliac disease.
ConclusionsGeneral practitioners in New Zealand do have gaps in their knowledge about coeliac disease. Agreeing on a set of New Zealand-specific practice guidelines to promote consistent practice among clinicians, targeting gaps in knowledge, and reviewing policies around who should undergo biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, could all improve outcomes for patients with this condition.
Date:
2019
Advisor:
Jaye, Chrystal; Day, Andrew; Schultz, Michael
Degree Name:
Doctor of Philosophy
Degree Discipline:
General Practice and Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine
Publisher:
University of Otago
Keywords:
Coeliac disease; General practitioner knowledge; CD incidence in New Zealand; testing for coeliac disease; managing coeliac disease
Research Type:
Thesis
Languages:
English
Collections
- General Practice and Rural Health [36]
- Thesis - Doctoral [3089]