[Evolutionary study of 81 children with celiac disease].

A review of 81 children with celiac disease over a period of 5 years is presented. These cases were seen at the Gastroenterological Unit of the Hospital de Nińos Roberto del Río, during years 1970 through 1972. 62% of the patients (50) were placed under control of their disease, the rest were studied and diagnosed only for other centers. The short term evolution was good in 48 children (96%), while the medium and long term evolution, 2 to 5 years, was good only in 56% of the patients. This evolution was in direct relationship to the fulfillment of the dietary indications. The therapeutic test was positive among the studied group. A delay was observed in 80% of the cases that lasted from 1 to 6 months. The clinical and laboratory features of the group are analyzed, and the working method is described.