European Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ESsCD) 2025 Updated Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Coeliac Disease in Adults. Part 2: Management, Follow-Up, and Complex Disease Courses.

Abstract

Introduction: Since the publication of the first European Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ESsCD) guidelines in 2019, substantial advances have been made in understanding the management and complex disease courses of coeliac disease (CeD) in adults. These 2025 updated guidelines aim to integrate new evidence, refine management strategies, and promote a personalised and multidisciplinary approach to care.

Methods: The ESsCD convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to revise the 2019 guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework. Evidence was appraised and graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Statements and recommendations were draughted within working groups and finalised through a structured Delphi consensus process.

Results: The updated guidelines are presented in two parts. Part 1, which has already been published, addresses the diagnostic approach to CeD in adults, whereas Part 2 focuses on disease management, structured follow-up, and the evaluation and treatment of persistent symptoms despite a gluten-free diet or refractory disease. New or expanded sections include guidance on the safe inclusion of oats, use of low-FODMAP diets in patients with persistent symptoms, management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, recognition of functional asplenia and related vaccination recommendations, and stratified bone-health screening. The guidelines also discuss nutritional and psychosocial support, digital models of care, and structured transition from paediatric to adult services. Updated therapeutic strategies for refractory CeD are provided, including immunosuppressive and novel pharmacologic options.

Conclusions: These updated guidelines offer a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for the management and follow-up of adults with CeD. By integrating recent scientific advances with pragmatic, patient-centred recommendations, they seek to optimise clinical outcomes, quality of life, and long-term health in individuals with CeD.