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Serological screening for Celiac Disease in 382 pre-schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sara Calderoni1,2, Elisa Santocchi3, Teresa Del Bianco4
1IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, Pisa, 56018, Calambrone, Italy. sara.calderoni@fsm.unipi.it.
Background:
Recent investigations suggest a possible common genetic background between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Celiac Disease (CD). However, studies regarding this association are scarce and often limited by the small sample sizes and/or large heterogeneity among ASD groups in terms of demographic and clinical features. The present study aims to investigate the overall CD prevalence (biopsy proven-CD patients plus screening detected tTG and EMA positive cases) in a large population of pre-schoolers with ASD referred to a tertiary care University Hospital.
Methods:
We retrospectively collected data about 382 children (mean age: 46.97 ± 13.55 months; age-range: 18-72 months) consecutively diagnosed as ASD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition criteria) over the period 2010-2013, and who performed a serological CD screening.
Results:
The overall CD prevalence was 2.62%, which is statistically significant higher to that reported in the Italian paediatric population (p = 0.0246). Half of these children had no symptoms or risk factors related to CD when they performed the serological screening.
Conclusions:
If replicated, these data suggest the importance of regular screening for CD in young patients with ASD, and are of relevance for clinical and public health.
