Queen's University Belfast

Academic Institute

Lesley Anderson

E033

Background: Northern Ireland has the highest incidence of coeliac disease (CD) in the United Kingdom. Lifelong adherence to a gluten-free (GF) diet is advisable to avoid/reduce symptoms and improve prognosis in addition to improving health-related quality of life. Objective: The research team propose to undertake a data linkage study to establish a Northern Ireland population-based cohort of patients who have had a transglutaminase (tTG) and/or endomysial antibodies (EMA) blood test and linkage to the General Registrar Office Death files to assess prognosis and the Electronic (GP) Prescribing Database to valuate utilisation of prescription gluten-free food. The team will also investigate the occurrence of malignancy in patients with raised tTG/ positive EMA through linkage with cancer registration data from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR). Assessment of the number of patients with co-morbidities and the impact of repeat prescriptions for other conditions on gluten-free prescription utilisation. Methods: A dataset of all tTG and EMA tests undertaken in Northern Ireland (1999-2016) will be used to identify patients with elevated tTG/ positive EMA. Within the Honest Broker Service the dataset will be matched to prescription data, deprivation index and death records. Cancer registration data will be obtained from the NICR. The number of patients with diagnosed coeliac disease (biopsy confirmed or prescription of gluten-free food) will be determined. Additionally, the number of patients with elevated EMA and number stratified by tTG level will be determined. Percentage of patients utilising GF prescriptions will be calculated and commonly prescribed foods identified. Information on long-term medication usage will be reviewed to evaluate influence on GF prescription uptake and frequency of co-morbidity. Causes of mortality and cancer incidence will be assessed in patients with confirmed coeliac disease and those with elevated tTG.

Information on long-term medication usage will be reviewed to evaluate influence on GF prescription uptake and frequency of co-morbidity. Causes of mortality and cancer incidence will be assessed in patients with confirmed coeliac disease and those with elevated tTG.

09/11/2018

TRE