Celiac Disease in Children with Moderate-to-Severe Iron-deficiency Anemia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Iron-deficiency anemia is common in children.
• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
• The association between anemia and celiac disease in pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of celiac disease among children with moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia.
• To assess the association between iron-deficiency anemia and celiac disease in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analytical study involving children aged 1-12 years.
• Serum IgA-tissue transglutaminase levels were measured.
• Positive serology prompted upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and duodenal biopsy for celiac disease diagnosis (Marsh grade 3).

Main Results:

• 10.5% of anemic children and 2% of controls had positive celiac serology (OR 5.33).
• 3.9% of anemic children were diagnosed with celiac disease via biopsy, compared to 0% in controls.
• A significant association was found between moderate-to-severe anemia and celiac disease.

Conclusions:

• Celiac disease is associated with approximately 4% of children presenting with moderate-to-severe anemia in this Northern Indian tertiary-care hospital setting.
• These findings underscore the need for celiac disease screening in anemic children.
• Early diagnosis and management of celiac disease can prevent long-term complications.