" Coeliac Sprue "
is the most important cause of primary malabsorption occurring in temperate climates.
The condition is characterised by significant loss of villi in the small intestine and thence diminished
absorptive surface area. The condition occurs in 2 forms:
- Childhood form, seen in infants and children and is commonly referred to as coeliac disease.
- Adult form, seen in adolescents and early adult life and used to be called idiopathic steatorrhoea.