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Hypertransaminasemia in pediatric celiac disease patients and its prevalence as a diagnostic clue

C Farre1, M Esteve, A Curcoy

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 21, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Hypertransaminasemia (HT) is common in pediatric celiac disease (CD), sometimes being the only symptom. A gluten-free diet resolves liver enzyme elevations in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Celiac Disease Research

Background:

  • Hypertransaminasemia (HT), characterized by elevated liver enzymes, can be a presenting sign of pediatric celiac disease (CD).
  • Understanding the prevalence and clinical significance of HT in pediatric CD is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HT in pediatric celiac disease (CD) and its association with clinical factors.
  • To assess the frequency of HT as the sole indicator of CD in children.
  • To evaluate the resolution of HT following a gluten-free diet.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 114 pediatric CD patients was analyzed.
  • Serological markers (antiendomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies) and liver function tests were assessed.
  • Clinical parameters were correlated with aminotransferase levels, and outcomes after a gluten-free diet were monitored.

Main Results:

  • HT was observed in 32% of pediatric CD patients at diagnosis.
  • In 4.3% of cases, HT was the only presenting manifestation of CD.
  • Younger age was significantly associated with HT (p=0.039).
  • A gluten-free diet led to the normalization of aminotransferases in all followed patients.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertransaminasemia is a frequent finding in pediatric celiac disease and can be its sole manifestation.
  • Serological screening for CD should be considered early in the diagnostic workup of pediatric liver diseases.
Abstract

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