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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Exploring anthropometric and laboratory differences in children of varying ethnicities with celiac disease
Insights
South Asian children with celiac disease (CD) presented with more growth concerns and higher antibody levels than Caucasian children. Timely diagnosis and culturally tailored education are crucial for this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder with rising incidence, particularly among ethnic minorities.
- Understanding ethnic variations in CD presentation and diagnosis is crucial for equitable healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of CD diagnosis in ethnic minority children at a Canadian pediatric celiac clinic.
- To identify ethnic differences in CD presentation, diagnosis, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 272 pediatric patients with biopsy-proven CD diagnosed between 2008-2011.
- Data collected included demographics, ethnicity, symptoms, anthropometrics, and serum antitissue transglutaminase (aTTG) levels at diagnosis and 12-month follow-up.
- Patients were categorized into Caucasian and other ethnicities, with a focus on South Asian children.
Main Results:
- South Asian children (20% of cohort) presented more frequently with growth concerns (68% vs. 21%) and had higher diagnostic aTTG levels (834 IU/mL vs. 367 IU/mL) compared to Caucasian children.
- While both groups showed symptom improvement, aTTG levels normalized by one year in significantly fewer South Asian children (29% vs. 64%).
Conclusions:
- South Asian children represent a substantial proportion of pediatric CD cases in this Canadian clinic.
- Ethnic disparities exist in CD presentation and diagnostic marker normalization, highlighting the need for targeted diagnostic and management strategies.
- Culturally sensitive educational support is recommended for South Asian children with CD to improve follow-up outcomes.
Background:
Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder with an increasing prevalence, including in ethnic minorities.
Objective:
To report the frequency of CD diagnosis in ethnic minorities presenting to a Canadian pediatric celiac clinic and to determine whether ethnic differences exist at diagnosis or follow-up.
Methods:
Patients with biopsy-proven CD diagnosed at a multidisciplinary celiac clinic between 2008 and 2011 were identified through the clinic database. Data at referral, and six-month and 12-month follow-ups were collected. These included demographics, self-reported ethnicity, symptoms, anthropometrics and laboratory investigations, including serum immunoglobulin antitissue transglutaminase (aTTG).
Results:
A total of 272 patients were identified; 80% (n = 218) were Caucasian (group 1) and 20% (n = 54) were other ethnicities. South Asians (group 2) comprised 81% (n = 44) of the minority population. No differences in age or sex were found between the two groups. Group 1 patients presented more often with gastrointestinal symptoms (71% versus 43%; P < 0.001), while patients in group 2 presented more often with growth concerns (21% versus 68%; P < 0.001). At diagnosis, serum aTTG level was consistently lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (367 IU⁄mL versus 834 IU⁄mL; P = 0.030). Both groups reported symptom improvement at six months and one year. At the end of one year, aTTG level was more likely to be normal in group 1 compared with group 2 (64% versus 29%; P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Although they represent a minority group, South Asian children comprised a significant proportion of CD patients presenting to a Canadian celiac clinic. South Asian children were more likely to present with growth concerns, which has important implications for timely diagnosis in this population. In addition, the apparent delay in normalization of aTTG levels suggests that careful follow-up and culturally focused education supports should be developed for South Asian children with CD.
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