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Published on: April 26, 2019

Faecal occult blood in children with coeliac disease

R Shamir1, A Levine, M Yalon-Hacohen

  • 1Institute of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|November 18, 2000
PubMed

Insights

In children with coeliac disease, occult blood loss is common, especially in new diagnoses. A gluten-free diet effectively resolves this issue, indicating its importance in managing the condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  • Celiac Disease Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a common complication in pediatric celiac disease.
  • The role of gastrointestinal blood loss in this iron deficiency is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the incidence of faecal occult blood in children with coeliac disease.
  • To determine the relationship between gluten intake, iron deficiency anaemia, and faecal occult blood.
  • To assess the impact of a gluten-free diet on faecal occult blood loss.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 45 children diagnosed with coeliac disease.
  • Assessment of dietary gluten presence, iron deficiency anaemia, and faecal occult blood.
  • Comparison with 60 age-matched control children.

Main Results:

  • Faecal occult blood was detected in iron-deficient children on a gluten-containing diet (26.7%).
  • Occult blood loss resolved in most cases after initiating a gluten-free diet.
  • No significant faecal occult blood was found in children on a gluten-free diet or in control groups.

Conclusions:

  • Occult gastrointestinal blood loss is prevalent in newly diagnosed pediatric coeliac disease.
  • A gluten-free diet is effective in resolving faecal occult blood loss.
  • Faecal occult blood testing is not recommended for children without iron deficiency anaemia or those already on a gluten-free diet.
Abstract

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