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Celiac disease in children: A review of the literature
1Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Medical Park Gaziantep Hospital, Gaziantep 27560, Turkey. ysahin977@gmail.com.
Insights
Celiac disease affects 1% of the global population and is triggered by gluten. Early diagnosis and a lifelong gluten-free diet are crucial for managing this immune-mediated condition and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Celiac disease is an immune-mediated condition triggered by gluten in susceptible individuals.
- Global prevalence is approximately 1%, with variations across regions and ethnicities.
- Increased awareness and advanced diagnostics have raised prevalence, yet up to 95% remain undiagnosed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment of celiac disease.
- To highlight the changing clinical presentations and the importance of early diagnosis.
- To provide an overview based on the latest scientific literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on celiac disease.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical findings, and diagnostic test advancements.
- Synthesis of current treatment strategies, focusing on dietary management.
Main Results:
- Celiac disease prevalence is around 1%, with increasing diagnoses due to better awareness and testing.
- Clinical presentations are diverse, with classical symptoms in a minority; atypical and minimal symptoms are common.
- Serological testing is recommended for patients with various gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms, and at-risk children.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of celiac disease is vital to prevent long-term complications.
- A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment.
- Continued research and awareness are needed to improve diagnosis rates and patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Celiac disease is an immune-mediated systemic disease triggered by intake of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The prevalence of celiac disease in the general population is estimated to be 1% in the world. Its prevalence differs depending on geographical and ethnic variations. The prevalence of celiac disease has increased significantly in the last 30 years due to the increased knowledge and awareness of physicians and the widespread use of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for celiac disease. Despite increased awareness and knowledge about celiac disease, up to 95% of celiac patients still remain undiagnosed. The presentations of celiac disease have significantly changed in the last few decades. Classical symptoms of celiac disease occur in a minority of celiac patients, while older children have either minimal or atypical symptoms. Serologic tests for celiac disease should be done in patients with unexplained chronic or intermittent diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, delayed puberty, short stature, amenorrhea, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, vomiting, chronic abdominal pain, abdominal distension, chronic constipation, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and abnormal liver enzyme elevation, and in children who belong to specific groups at risk. Early diagnosis of celiac disease is very important to prevent long-term complications. Currently, the only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment of celiac disease in the light of the latest literature.
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