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The incidence of childhood celiac disease in Sweden
L Stenhammar1, P Ansved, G Jansson
1Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden.
Insights
Celiac disease incidence in Swedish children remained stable between 1970-1982, unlike reported declines elsewhere. This study highlights discrepant trends in pediatric celiac disease diagnoses across different populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
- Previous studies suggested a decline in celiac disease incidence during the late 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of celiac disease in children in southeast Sweden between 1970 and 1982.
- To compare these findings with international trends.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of diagnosed celiac disease cases in children born between 1970-1982 in southeast Sweden.
- Diagnosis adherence to European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition criteria.
Main Results:
- 167 children were diagnosed with celiac disease.
- Incidence rates were 1.27/1,000 live births (1970-1976) and 1.43/1,000 (1977-1982).
- These rates contrast with reported declines in other countries.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease incidence in this Swedish cohort showed stability, not a decline.
- Discrepant trends in pediatric celiac disease incidence necessitate further population-based research.
Abstract:
Within a defined population in southeast Sweden, celiac disease was diagnosed in 167 children born between 1970 and 1982. The diagnosis was based on the criteria of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Another six children had an initial flat small intestinal mucosa but do not yet fulfill the criteria for the diagnosis of celiac disease. The incidence of celiac disease was 1.27/1,000 live births for the years 1970-1976 and 1.43/1,000 for 1977-1982. In contrast to our findings, a decline in the disorder during the late 1970s was reported from other countries. We discuss the observation that the incidences of celiac disease in children are moving discrepantly in different populations.