This ERDF-funded project will organise a study among children in Malta and Sicily in an attempt to improve the diagnosis process for coeliac disease among children. Coeliac disease is a condition whereby there is an adverse reaction in the intestines when wheat products are consumed. Research has shown that the incidence of coeliac disease among Maltese and Sicilians tends to be higher than in other countries. A total investment of around EUR 2 million will enable the Maltese and Sicilian health
- 13 February 2019
This ERDF-funded project will organise a study among children in Malta and Sicily in an attempt to improve the diagnosis process for coeliac disease among children.
Coeliac disease is a condition whereby there is an adverse reaction in the intestines when wheat products are consumed. Research has shown that the incidence of coeliac disease among Maltese and Sicilians tends to be higher than in other countries.
A total investment of around EUR 2 million will enable the Maltese and Sicilian health authorities to work closely together on the ERDF-funded ITAMA project. The study will take finger blood samples from 20 000 children in Maltese primary schools and 2 000 children from Sicily.
A database will be created and digital tools will be used in a bid to develop a means of diagnosing coeliac disease in children which avoids the use of an endoscopy, a particularly invasive diagnostic method currently in use.
If the project results prove successful, coeliac tests will no longer have to be carried out in hospitals. The project consortium hopes this will lead to earlier detection of coeliac disease and therefore earlier treatment.
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Source article on http://www.independent.com.mt 30/01/19
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