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[Anemia and severe thrombocytopenia in celiac disease]
Maximilian Hatting1, Oliver Galm, Martin Meyer
1Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Aachen (RWTH), Aachen, Germany.
Insights
Celiac disease can cause severe blood count changes, including thrombocytopenia. Prompt diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can reverse these hematologic issues, improving patient health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Celiac disease diagnosis is increasing, with more patients presenting with extraintestinal symptoms.
- Blood count abnormalities, including iron deficiency anemia, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytopenia, are recognized manifestations.
- These hematologic changes can be the primary presenting symptoms of celiac disease.
Observation:
- A case of malnutrition with macrocytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia was reported.
- Celiac disease was suspected based on peripheral blood smear findings and endoscopic results.
- Histology of duodenal biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease.
Findings:
- Thrombocytopenia in this patient was reversible following a gluten-free diet and folic acid supplementation.
- Clinical symptoms resolved, and hematologic reconstitution was observed after treatment.
- This highlights the potential for celiac disease to cause significant hematologic disturbances.
Implications:
- Celiac disease should be considered in patients with unexplained blood count changes, especially when accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The findings suggest that early diagnosis and dietary intervention can lead to complete hematologic recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach for patients with cytopenias.
Background:
The frequency of diagnosis of celiac disease has increased since the introduction of serologic testing. The number of patients in whom extraintestinal symptoms reflect the initial manifestation is rising. Common symptoms are changes in blood counts, which can arise from changes in all cell lineages. Among these, iron deficiency anemia is very common, but also thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported to manifest themselves within the framework of celiac disease.
Case Report:
The authors report on a patient with malnutrition, macrocytic anemia, and pronounced thrombocytopenia. Based on changes of peripheral blood smear and endoscopic result, celiac disease was suspected that could be confirmed by histology of duodenal biopsies. The thrombocytopenia was reversible after initiation of gluten-free diet and folic acid substitution. In addition, clinical symptoms resolved and hematologic reconstitution could be observed.
Conclusion:
Similar deficiencies have almost exclusively been observed in patients with increased folic acid requirements during pregnancy or intensive care. Celiac disease must be taken into consideration, if changes in blood counts occur associated with gastrointestinal symptoms.
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