Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, and Allergic Rhinitis in Pediatric Celiac Disease: A Case-control Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten.
• Emerging evidence links celiac disease with atopic conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.
• The immunological mechanisms underlying this association require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis in children with celiac disease.
• To compare these prevalences with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
• To identify potential increased risks of allergic conditions in pediatric celiac disease patients.

Main Methods:

• A matched case-control study involving 173 children with celiac disease and 173 healthy controls in Zahedan, Iran (2023).
• Celiac disease diagnosis followed European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.
• Allergic conditions were assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and clinical evaluation.

Main Results:

• Children with celiac disease exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of asthma (12.1% vs. 5.8%, OR 2.25) and allergic rhinitis (29.5% vs. 14.5%, OR 2.47).
• No significant difference in atopic dermatitis prevalence was observed between celiac disease patients and controls (12.1% vs. 9.2%, OR 1.35).
• Results indicate a heightened risk for respiratory allergic diseases in children with celiac disease.

Conclusions:

• Children diagnosed with celiac disease face an elevated risk for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
• Integrated care between gastroenterology and allergy specialists is recommended for affected children.
• Further research is necessary to elucidate the shared immunological pathways involved in celiac disease and allergic conditions.