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Celiac disease is overrepresented in patients with constipation
Rolf A A Pelleboer1, Rob L H Janssen, Judith M Deckers-Kocken
1Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands. rolf.pelleboer@cze.nl
Jornal De Pediatria
|March 22, 2012
Summary
Children with constipation referred to pediatricians have a significantly higher prevalence of celiac disease. This study suggests screening all such children for celiac disease due to its overrepresentation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Current recommendations suggest screening constipated children for celiac disease, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia.
- Evidence supporting these recommendations is limited.
- The actual prevalence of these conditions in constipated children is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of celiac disease, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia in children experiencing constipation.
- To evaluate the necessity of current screening recommendations for these conditions in pediatric constipation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted.
- 370 consecutive pediatric patients meeting Rome III criteria for constipation were enrolled.
- Patients were referred by general practitioners due to failed laxative treatment.
Main Results:
- Seven patients (1.89%) were diagnosed with biopsy-proven celiac disease, a significantly higher prevalence than the general population (p < 0.001).
- Two patients (0.54%) were diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- No patients presented with hypercalcemia.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease is significantly overrepresented in children with constipation referred for specialist care.
- Screening for celiac disease is strongly recommended for pediatric patients with refractory constipation.
- Hypothyroidism and hypercalcemia appear to be uncommon in this patient group.
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