Prevalence of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease among Individuals with Celiac Disease in a Primary Care Setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Celiac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, leading to an immune response that damages the small intestine. Research shows a link between CD and autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD). This study seeks to determine the prevalence of AITD among adult and pediatric patients with CD in the primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed electronic health records of individuals diagnosed with CD from January 2016 to December 2023 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Collected data encompassed patient demographics, diagnostic approaches, thyroid function assessments, thyroid autoantibody profiles, and therapeutic interventions. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, with statistical significance defined at a p < 0.05.

Out of 408 individuals diagnosed with CD, 76 (29.6%) adults and 24 (15.9%) pediatric patients were found to have thyroid-related disorders. Among those with thyroid conditions, AITD was identified in 34.2% of adults and 37.5% of children, with Hashimoto's thyroiditis emerging as the most prevalent subtype. The majority of cases were diagnosed through blood and thyroid antibody testing. Adult patients were significantly more likely to receive thyroid medication than pediatric patients (p = 0.01). Additionally, nonadherence to a gluten-free diet was common across both age groups.

CD patients in Saudi Arabia are at high risk of AITD, especially hypothyroidism, necessitating regular thyroid screenings to support integrated care and early diagnosis.