Building on our commitment to advancing diagnosis of celiac disease, the Celiac Disease Foundation was proud to sponsor the 1st Annual Celiac Disease Screening Symposium, held November 15–17, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Organized by Dr. Marisa Stahl and Dr. Edwin Liu from Children’s Hospital Colorado, this groundbreaking event brought together leading researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and public health experts from around the world to address one of the most pressing challenges in celiac disease care today: early identification through population screening.
Hosted at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, the symposium explored the evidence, barriers, and global experiences related to both mass and targeted screening for celiac disease. With growing recognition of the significant burden of undiagnosed celiac disease—and the potential to change lives through earlier diagnosis—this convening could not have come at a more pivotal moment.
Symposium Highlights
The program opened with a joint meeting alongside the Diabetes Symposium, acknowledging the close ties between type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. On Saturday, sessions were divided into four themes:
- Priorities and Challenges in Population Screening: Keynote speaker Dr. Marian Rewers set the tone with a compelling case for population screening. Experts including Dr. Ed Liu, Dr. Ben Lebwohl, and Dr. Brett McQueen shared insights into epidemiology, health economics, and diagnostic strategies—laying the foundation for a robust dialogue on feasibility and impact.
- Screening in High-Risk Populations: Sessions focused on groups at elevated risk, including individuals with type 1 diabetes, trisomy 21, and family history. Dr. Amanda Cartee discussed the unique challenges faced by underserved population.
- International Perspectives: Delegates from Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands shared valuable lessons from countries already implementing mass screening programs. Their presentations underscored the importance of tailored approaches and government support in achieving widespread screening success.
- Best Practices for Management Post-Screening: The final session tackled real-world questions providers face when navigating positive or borderline screening results. Presenters explored the psychological, logistical, and clinical implications of a positive serology—especially for asymptomatic individuals.
Celiac Disease Foundation Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer, Vanessa Weisbrod, closed the session with a presentation on “Remote Access: Providing Proper Education and Resources.” She highlighted the Foundation’s innovative virtual education programs that support families and clinicians navigating a new diagnosis, especially in rural and underserved areas, and emphasized that remote education will be crucial to effectively reaching and supporting the many new patients expected to be diagnosed through future mass screening programs.
On Sunday, a working group reconvened to begin building consensus on next steps for advancing celiac disease screening in the U.S.
The Celiac Disease Foundation extends deep gratitude to Dr. Stahl and Dr. Liu, as well as to the many speakers, moderators, and organizers who made this symposium a success. The momentum from this event will help shape national strategies to detect celiac disease earlier, reduce diagnostic delay, and improve health outcomes for millions.
Watch a video recap of the symposium below!