[Prevalence of celiac disease in Turner syndrome]

Percentage of coeliac disease among patients with Turner syndrome is given differently in a few publication. The aim of the study was to assess prevalence of celiac disease in Turner syndrome.

Serological screening of coeliac disease were performed in 63 patients with Turner syndrome during the last 11.5 years (since 1994). Serological investigations were repeated yearly since 2003 in all patients, and the results of screening of new patients were completed. Theirs first case of coeliac disease was announced in 2004 in Gyermekgyógyászat (Hun). Further positive serological results were found after publication of the first case.

Positive results were found in seven of 63 patients (two EmA and five antitransglutaminase IgA positivity). Intestinal biopsy was applied in all 7 cases. Coeliac disease was revealed by histologic analysis in the five cases - 5/63 (7.9%).

The prevalence of coeliac disease in Turner syndrome seems to be higher than in general population. This can play role in the insufficient effect of growth hormone therapy in the affected patients. The high prevalence indicates that the connection between these disorders can not be coincidental. Their cases and the available data from the publications indicate that screening of coeliac disease in patients with Turner syndrome should be performed and intestinal biopsy is recommended in positive cases.