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Updated: Nov 25, 2025

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Celiac disease and COVID-19 pandemic: should we worry?
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Health Sciences Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Celiac disease patients on a gluten-free diet face no increased risk of COVID-19 infection and experience a similar clinical course. Anxiety levels were mild, though access to gluten-free products decreased during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic heightened concerns for individuals with chronic conditions, including Celiac disease (CD).
- Understanding COVID-19's impact on CD patients is crucial for managing their health during outbreaks.
- This study investigated COVID-19 infection rates, clinical outcomes, and psychological effects in CD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency and clinical course of COVID-19 in Celiac disease patients.
- To examine gluten-free product (GFP) purchasing adherence and dietary compliance during the pandemic.
- To evaluate the influence of anxiety on CD symptoms amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessed GFP availability and dietary adherence via phone and email.
- The State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measured anxiety levels.
- COVID-19 diagnosis and clinical outcomes were recorded for CD patients.
Main Results:
- One hundred and one CD patients participated.
- A significant decrease in GFP availability was reported during the pandemic.
- Mild anxiety was prevalent (State: 40.7±7.9, Trait: 44.5±8.5); two patients contracted COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease patients on a gluten-free diet do not exhibit increased susceptibility to COVID-19.
- The clinical course of COVID-19 in CD patients is comparable to that of the general population.
- Dietary adherence and anxiety management remain important considerations for CD patients during health crises.
Background And Study Aims:
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic especially worries people with chronic diseases the entire world. In this study, the frequency, and clinical course of COVID-19 infection in patients with Celiac disease (CD) were investigated. CD patients' adherence to purchasing gluten free products (GFPs), the strict diet, and how patients' anxiety affects CD symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak were also examined.
Patients And Methods:
A detailed questionnaire was administered by telephone and emailed to the CD patients to determine the status of these patients in obtaining GFPs, and dietary compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. State and trait anxiety levels of patients were evaluated using the State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale. Additionally, whether patients with CD were diagnosed with COVID-19, and if diagnosed, their clinical course of the disease were investigated.
Results:
One hundred and one patients were included in the study. The total number of patients who could obtain GFPs decreased significantly in the pandemic than before the pandemic. The patients' state anxiety index was 40.7±7.9, and the trait anxiety index was 44.5±8.5, and all patients were evaluated as mildly anxious. During the pandemic, two female patients were diagnosed with COVID-19.
Conclusion:
CD patients did not have any additional risk compared to other individuals in terms of becoming infected with COVID-19 for patients under gluten free diet, and these patients will have a similar clinical course as individuals without CD.
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