Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Screening for celiac disease in Poland
Anna Szaflarska-Popławska1, Monika Parzecka, Lucyna Müller
1Department of Paediatrics, Allergology and Gastroenterology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland. klped@cm.umk.pl
Insights
The prevalence of celiac disease in Polish children was 1 in 124 based on serology, with most cases being asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic. Histologically confirmed celiac disease was found in 1 in 404 children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Previous celiac disease studies in Poland focused on limited regions and symptomatic individuals.
- This study aimed to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in a broader pediatric population in Poland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of celiac disease among children in Poland.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and serological markers of celiac disease in this population.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 3235 children (born 1994-1997) in Bydgoszcz for IgA and IgG antiendomysial antibodies (EmA).
- Small-bowel biopsies were offered to children with positive EmA titers for histopathological confirmation.
Main Results:
- A positive EmA titer (IgA and/or IgG) was detected in 0.8% (25/3235) of children.
- Histologically confirmed celiac disease (Marsh stage III-B or III-C) was found in 7 children, yielding a prevalence of 1 in 404.
- Serologically identified celiac disease prevalence was 1 in 124 children; disease was more common in girls and often asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease prevalence in Polish children is slightly lower than in other countries.
- The condition frequently presents with asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic courses, even with advanced histopathological changes.
Background:
Epidemiologic studies of celiac disease in Poland have been performed only within selected regions of the country and involve mainly symptomatic patients or groups at risk. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of celiac disease among children in Poland.
Material/Methods:
Screening for the presence of antiendomysial antibodies IgA endomysium (EmA) and IgG EmA was performed in 3235 children born between 1994 and 1997 and living in Bydgoszcz. Small-bowel biopsy was proposed for patients with a positive IgA EmA and/or IgG EmA titer.
Results:
A positive IgA EmA and/or IgG EmA titer was found in 25 patients (0.8%). Histopathologic features of celiac disease (Marsh stage III-B or III-C) were found in small-bowel biopsy specimens from 7 children, normal histologic features were found in 4 children, and 14 children did not undergo small-bowel biopsy. Celiac disease occurred more frequently among girls than boys (P<0.0001) and showed an asymptomatic (2/7 children) or oligosymptomatic (5/7 children) course. The prevalence of histologically confirmed celiac disease was estimated at 1 in 404 children, but the prevalence of serologically identified celiac disease was 1 in 124 children.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of celiac disease in a population of Polish children was slightly lower than that in other countries and showed an asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic course, despite findings of advanced histopathologic lesions in the small bowel.
More Related Videos
06:50A High-Throughput Electrochemiluminescence 7-Plex Assay Simultaneously Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Autoimmune Diseases
Published on: May 29, 2020
03:33Rapid Detection of Fecal Antigen of Helicobacter pylori Infection Based on Double Antibody Sandwich Detection Technology
Published on: May 23, 2025
