Redefining Celiac Iceberg in Children in North India-Do Asymptomatic Subjects Need Screening?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics
• Immunology

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) prevalence in India, particularly among children, lacks comprehensive data.
• Existing studies often target high-risk populations, not the general pediatric demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ascertain the prevalence of celiac disease in asymptomatic school children in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• To contribute to the understanding of CD epidemiology in a previously understudied population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 575 healthy school children in Jaipur.
• Screening using ELISA-based anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody testing.
• Confirmation via upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and duodenal biopsy for IgA anti-tTG positive subjects.

Main Results:

• Six out of 575 subjects (1.04%) tested positive for IgA anti-tTG antibodies.
• All six positive subjects exhibited duodenal biopsy changes consistent with celiac disease.
• The calculated prevalence of celiac disease was 1 in 96 children.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a celiac disease prevalence of 1.04% in asymptomatic school children in Jaipur.
• This finding highlights the need for broader screening and awareness of CD in the Indian pediatric population.
• Further research is warranted to understand the full scope of CD epidemiology in India.