Columbia’s Dr. Peter Green Headlines Celiac Disease Symposium in Chile

Recent studies indicate that approximately 1% of the global population suffers from celiac disease (CD), an immune system reaction to gluten—a protein found in cereals like wheat, oats, barley, and rye. This results in gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation. However, adults predominantly experience extraintestinal symptoms such as anemia, loss of bone density, fatigue, or weight loss. Due to the broad spectrum of signs and symptoms, which vary among patients and across age groups, diagnosing CD can be challenging. Recent epidemiological data in Chile reveals a significant underdiagnosis of the disease in the country.

In 2003, Convivir Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for those with CD in Chile. Since then, the nonprofit has focused on training individuals with celiac disease to adhere to a gluten-free diet, updating their knowledge of the pathology, certifying products suitable for consumption, and advocating for public policies and scientific research for individuals with the disease.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Convivir, in collaboration with the School of Medicine at Universidad Católica (UC) and with the support of the Santiago Center, organized the IV International Symposium on Celiac Disease in Chile. The event, which took place on December 12 at UC, featured distinguished Columbia gastroenterologist Dr. Peter Green as the keynote speaker. Dr. Green, the founding director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia’s Irving Medical Center, along with other renowned academics and Chilean experts, provided updated information to raise awareness about CD.

The symposium, attended by hundreds of representatives from the medical community and celiac patients, was divided into four modules, running from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. During this time, Dr. Peter Green delivered four presentations. His talks covered a range of topics, including the history and epidemiology of the disease, the extra-intestinal manifestations that complicate its diagnosis, the latest diagnostic techniques, and new pharmacological therapies for CD. Other presentations delved into relevant subjects such as the landscape of CD in Chile, the challenges of following a gluten-free diet, CD in children and adolescents, labeling and regulations for gluten-free foods, the importance of psychological support for celiac patients, the relevance of sociocultural determinants for patients with CD, highlighting the significant cost difference between a normal basic food basket and a gluten-free one. To conclude the day, Chantal Signorio, founder and president of Convivir, provided insights into the foundation’s beginnings and the journey taken over two decades of gluten-free advocacy.