[Celiac disease and short stature in children]

M Corera Sánchez1, A Villate Carrasco, J Igea García

  • 1Endocrinología Infantil, Hospital Infantil de Cruces, Baracaldo, Vizcaya.

Insights

Celiac disease (CD) can cause short stature, even without digestive issues. This study found a low incidence of 0.56% for CD in children with unexplained short stature.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Short stature is a common pediatric concern.
  • Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
  • CD can present solely as growth failure in children.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the incidence of celiac disease (CD) in pediatric patients presenting with short stature as the primary or only symptom.
  • To assess the diagnostic yield of serological screening followed by intestinal biopsy in this specific population.

Summary:

  • A study of 178 children with short stature and no gastrointestinal symptoms was conducted.
  • Serum IgA antigliadin antibodies were tested, with ten showing positive results.
  • Only one child was diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) via biopsy, revealing subtotal villus atrophy, resulting in an incidence of approximately 0.56%.

Impact:

  • This research indicates a lower incidence of celiac disease (CD) in children with short stature than previously reported.
  • Highlights the importance of considering CD in the differential diagnosis of short stature, even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Suggests that current screening protocols may need re-evaluation for this specific pediatric cohort.

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