Celiac disease in children with short stature
Seyed Mohsen Dehghani1, Ali Akbar Asadi-Pooya
1Department of Pediatrics and Gestroentero-hepatology Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. dehghanism@sums.ac.ir
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|March 13, 2008
Summary
Celiac disease (CD) affects 2.8% of children with short stature. Testing for CD with anti-tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibodies is recommended for children with short stature, even without GI symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Short stature is a common pediatric concern.
- Celiac disease (CD) can present with various symptoms, including growth failure.
- Early diagnosis of CD is crucial for effective management and preventing long-term complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in children presenting with short stature.
- To evaluate the utility of anti-tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibody testing in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children with short stature (height > 2 SD below the mean) were assessed.
- Serum IgG anti-TTG antibody levels were measured using ELISA.
- Children with elevated antibodies underwent further investigations, including duodenal biopsy.
Main Results:
- Two out of 72 children (2.8%) with short stature had elevated IgG anti-TTG antibodies.
- Duodenal biopsies confirmed celiac disease in these children.
- Other findings included anemia (5.6%) and growth hormone deficiency (6.9%).
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease should be considered in the diagnostic workup of children with short stature, particularly those with height > 3 SD below the mean.
- Measurement of anti-TTG antibodies is a valuable tool in evaluating children with short stature, irrespective of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The study highlights the importance of including CD screening in the routine evaluation of pediatric short stature.
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