Serological Evaluation of Celiac Disease in Children with Congenital Heart Defect; A Case Control Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) prevalence is increasing, particularly in individuals with chromosomal and congenital anomalies.
• Congenital heart defects (CHD) are common congenital anomalies, necessitating investigation into associated conditions like CD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the seroprevalence of celiac disease (CD) in children diagnosed with congenital heart defects (CHD).
• To compare serum tissue transglutaminase (TTG) IgA levels between children with CHD and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 1002 children, divided into a CHD group (n=402) and a control group (n=600).
• Serum tissue transglutaminase (TTG) IgA levels were measured and compared between the two groups.
• Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA and Tukey tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Main Results:

• Children with CHD exhibited significantly higher mean serum TTG IgA levels (19.17±46.67 u/mL) compared to controls (7.77±10.02 u/mL) (p=0.001).
• A significant difference in TTG IgA levels was observed between CHD subgroups (cyanotic and acyanotic) and controls (p=0.000).
• The frequency of TTG IgA, using a 20 u/mL cutoff, showed a significant association with the study groups (X²=28.31, p=0.000).

Conclusions:

• Serum TTG IgA levels are significantly elevated in children with CHD compared to healthy children.
• The findings support the recommendation for routine celiac disease screening in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects.