Association between celiac disease and risk of kidney diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder, has been linked to chronic kidney disease but results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis investigates the association between CD and the risk of kidney disease.

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar up to March 31, 2024. Studies included observational reports on CD and kidney diseases. Random-effects models estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to report the overall effect size, with significance set at P<0.05. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NCOS). Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's regression and Begg's rank correlation tests.

Nine studies with 2022,686 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of overall kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in CD patients was 2.29% (95% CI 1.34-3.49), 1.31% (95% CI 0.52-2.47), and 1.55% (95% CI 0.11-4.59), respectively. CD was significantly associated with a higher risk of overall kidney disease (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.48-2.65), glomerulonephritis (OR=2.68, 95% CI 1.54-4.66), and ESRD (OR=2.58, 95% CI 1.32-5.03). Most studies were of high or moderate quality according to NCOS, and no publication bias was detected.

CD patients have an elevated risk of various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis and ESRD. Monitoring renal function and managing CD are crucial to mitigating potential kidney damage. Future research should investigate the mechanisms underlying this association and explore targeted interventions to prevent or delay renal complications in CD patients.