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Isolated short stature as a presentation of celiac disease in Saudi children

Asaad Mohamed Abdullah Assiri1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Pediatric Reports
|May 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Celiac disease is a significant cause of short stature in Saudi children. Early diagnosis through antibody screening and biopsy, followed by a gluten-free diet, improves growth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Short stature is a common pediatric concern.
  • Celiac disease can present without typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for growth recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in Saudi children with short stature.
  • To evaluate if routine lab tests can indicate celiac disease.
  • To assess the impact of a gluten-free diet on growth.

Main Methods:

  • 91 Saudi children with short stature underwent extensive endocrine and biochemical assessments.
  • Tests included antibody assays (anti-endomysial, anti-tissue transglutaminase), growth hormone, thyroid function, and intestinal biopsies.
  • Biopsies were classified using the Oberhuber classification.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of celiac disease was 10.9% (10/91) with total villous atrophy.
  • Potential celiac disease (mild villous atrophy) was found in 4.3% (5/91).
  • All diagnosed children showed improved growth on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusions:

  • Celiac disease is an important, often asymptomatic, cause of short stature in Saudi children.
  • Recommend screening with anti-tissue transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies, followed by biopsy.
  • Gluten-free diet is essential for growth catch-up in affected children.

Keywords:
Saudianti-tissue transglutaminaseceliac diseasechildren.short stature

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