The 13^th International Celiac Disease Symposium was held on 6-8 April in Amsterdam and attracted 645 participants from 45 different countries. Besides scientists and clinicians (62%), the event was visited by patient organisations (8%) and industry (13%). Participants were highly enthusiastic about the programme.  

The international character of the ICDS2009 was shown by the fact that the participants came from 45 different countries.

Top 10 countries and number of participants:

Scientific update:
The programme provided an update on the current state of the art in the field of Coeliac Disease.
Progress has been made in identifying new genes that increase susceptibility for Celiac Disease. However the latest discovered genes give a small extra contribution, it is interesting that genes are found that also a role play at other auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
A large number of abstracts dealt with serologic tests for Coeliac Disease. The use of these tests makes it easy to perform large scale epidemiologic studies.
New endoscopic imaging techniques also show their advantages in the detection of celiac disease and its complications.
Studies on new therapeutic strategies for Celiac Disease are in progress but no major breakthroughs were shown.

For the abstracts click here.

Next symposia: There has been decided to set up a foundation for the organization of future symposia. In this foundation the organizers of the symposia in the past and the future organizers will join their strengths.

The three coming meetings are scheduled as follows:
ICDS2011 June 20-22, 2011 Oslo, Norway
ICDS2013 Chicago, USA
ICDS2015  Praque, Tsjech Republic