Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025
A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Diseases in a Pediatric Population in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hanane Hajaj1, Aziza Elouali1, Amal Hamami1
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Mohammed VI, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mother and Child Health Laboratory, Mohammed First University, Oujda, MAR.
Insights
Celiac disease (CD) patients under 16 have a higher risk of autoimmune diseases (AD), particularly type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis. Early detection and management are crucial for better outcomes in pediatric CD patients with associated AD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Autoimmunology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Previous studies indicate an elevated risk of autoimmune diseases (AD) in CD patients.
- This study systematically investigates AD prevalence in pediatric CD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AD in children diagnosed with CD.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with the development of AD in this cohort.
- To inform clinical practice regarding surveillance and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical data from 60 pediatric CD patients (under 16 years).
- Data collected from January 2017 to January 2024 at Mohamed VI Hospital and University Center, Oujda, Morocco.
- Focus on patients diagnosed with both CD and AD.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 60 pediatric CD patients (13%) presented with an associated AD.
- The average age of affected children was 8 years (range 2-15 years).
- AD was diagnosed prior to CD in 75% of cases, with type 1 diabetes being the most common (7 cases) followed by autoimmune thyroiditis (1 case).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CD patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, notably type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism.
- Enhanced surveillance is essential for early diagnosis of these associated conditions.
- Timely management can mitigate long-term complications in children with CD and co-existing AD.
Introduction:
Celiac disease (CD) is defined as an autoimmune disease (AD) caused by gluten ingestion in genetically sensitive individuals. Several publications have demonstrated the increased risk of AD in patients with CD, both adults and children, which requires systematic research. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of AD in 60 patients diagnosed with CD and to highlight risk factors that may contribute to the emergence of AD.
Materials And Methods:
We collected medical data from all CD patients under 16 years of age who also had AD. Our study was conducted in the Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition Unit of the Pediatrics Department of the Mohamed VI Hospital and University Center in Oujda, Morocco, during a seven-year period between January 2017 and January 2024.
Results:
We studied 60 patients with CD in our study. Eight patients (13%) had an associated AD. Their average age was eight years, with extremes varying between two and 15 years. AD was diagnosed before CD in six cases (75%), in parallel with CD in one patient (12.5%), while in only one case, it was diagnosed after CD (12.5%). All our patients had a single AD associated with CD. These ADs were mainly type 1 diabetes in seven cases and autoimmune thyroiditis in only one case. All our patients followed a gluten-free diet in addition to specific treatment for associated AD. Nevertheless, despite regular medical follow-up and targeted dietary advice for the management of CD and associated AD, three patients encountered difficulties in following the recommended diet.
Conclusion:
Younger patients with CD have an increased risk of hypothyroidism and insulin-dependent diabetes. These data necessitate improved surveillance to discover these illnesses as early as possible in order to optimize management and reduce related consequences.
More Related Videos
06:50A High-Throughput Electrochemiluminescence 7-Plex Assay Simultaneously Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Autoimmune Diseases
Published on: May 29, 2020
10:27Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...