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Published on: August 6, 2018
[Serum prolactin concentration in children with celiac disease]
U Gocyła1, Z Szczepański, B Kalita
1III Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii Slaskiej Akademii Medyeznej w Bytomiu.
Insights
Serum prolactin levels are elevated in children with celiac disease not adhering to a gluten-free diet. Prolactin concentrations normalize with adherence to a gluten-free diet, indicating its role in celiac disease management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
- Altered hormone levels, including prolactin, have been observed in various autoimmune conditions.
- The role of prolactin in pediatric celiac disease requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum prolactin concentrations in children diagnosed with celiac disease.
- To compare prolactin levels between celiac patients on and off a gluten-free diet (GFD).
- To assess the correlation between prolactin levels and the severity of intestinal mucosal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was utilized to measure serum prolactin levels.
- The study included 62 children (4-15 years) with celiac disease and 30 healthy controls.
- Small bowel mucosal biopsies were performed to assess the degree of mucosal damage.
Main Results:
- Children with celiac disease not on a GFD exhibited significantly higher serum prolactin concentrations compared to controls.
- The highest prolactin levels were observed in patients with severe mucosal lesions.
- No significant difference in prolactin levels was found between celiac patients on a GFD and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum prolactin is associated with active celiac disease in children.
- A gluten-free diet appears to normalize prolactin levels in pediatric celiac disease patients.
- Prolactin may serve as a potential biomarker or indicator of disease activity in celiac disease.
Abstract:
The study encompassed 62 children aged 4-15 years: 51 with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease and 11 suspected of having celiac disease (during diagnostic studies). The control group included 30 healthy children aged 4-15 years. Serum prolactin concentration was measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits. Serum prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in children with celiac disease not following a gluten-free diet than in the control group. Children with serious mucosal lesions revealed by small bowel mucosal biopsies had the highest serum prolactin concentrations. Of these children, 36% gad values higher than 15 ng/ml. Differences between children with celiac disease complying with a gluten-free diet and the control group were not significant.
