Disease and Pathophysiology

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Celiac Disease
Disease and Pathophysiology
1 Changes in the anatomy of small intestines (flat mucosa with villus atrophy, and hyper plastic crypts)
The results show that the small intestines are damaged and that their anatomy has changed with regard to the key functions which are digestion and absorption of certain nutrients; the surface area is reduced leading to malabsorption (Marks)
2 Etiology of celiac disease, is Mrs. Gaines`s history typical of patients with celiac disease? Explain
Mrs Gaines history is typical of patients with celiac disease largely because the fact that her siblings and parents experience similar symptoms of celiac disease implying that their genetic make-up is susceptible and hence favorable for development of celiac disease. Celiac disease symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss tend to increase with increased exposure to the causal factor (s) which in this case is gluten and Mrs. Aines has been experiencing the same over a long period because she didn`t refrain from foods containing gluten.
3 How Celiac disease is related to the damage of small intestines that the endoscopy and biopsy indicate
Damage of the small intestine in celiac disease occurs as a result of the excessive autoimmune response when the protein gluten is detected in the body; the body reacts by releasing lots of antibodies directed at the small intestine mucosa (Mayo Clinic) where the villi are found. Further exposure to gluten worsens the symptoms of celiac diseases as the immune response is accelerated further causing further damage of the villi and intestinal muciosa
4 What are AGA and EMA antibodies? Explain the connection between the presence of antibodies and the etiology of the celiac disease
AGA and EMA are types of antibodies that are commonly released by the body during the immune response towards gluten; AGA or anti-gliadin antibodies are a common serological test for celiac disease, there detection in high amounts is a confirmation of presence of the disease. EMA or Anti-Endomysial Antibodies are common in patient s with chronic celiac disease; they are a characteristic of continued intestinal mucosal damage (American Association for Clinical Chemistry).
5 What is 24-hour fecal fat test? What are the normal results for this test?
This is a test conducted to ascertain the level of fat in the bowels; <7g of fat in stool within a 24 hour period means the person is healthy and > 7 g in 24 hour period for three days is an indicator of a fat malborsption (TNC-CDAAR p1)
6 Mrs. Gaine`s fecal fat test shows 11.5g fat/24 hours what does this mean?
This means that Mrs. Gaines has Steatorrhea or fat malabsorption which is indicative of celiac disease.
7 Why was patient placed on 100g-fat diet when her diet history shows that her symptoms are much worse with fried foods?
This is a standard procedure meant to ensure that the results of the fecal fat test...