Clinical manifestations and associated disorders in children with celiac disease in southern Iran

Interleukin-15 gene polymorphism in children with celiac disease: a single-center experience

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in children with CD and assess their relationship with interleukin-15 (IL-15) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2857261) and serum IL-15 levels. This case-control and prospective cohort study included 54 newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients attending the Gastroenterology Clinic at Alexandria University Children's Hospital and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Demographics, clinical data, laboratory tests, Marsh classification, and IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) genotypes were analyzed. Follow-up after 9 months on a gluten-free diet (GFD) was conducted. The mean age of patients and controls was 8.62 ± 4.4 and 8.07 ± 4.7 years, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.55). Male representation was 48.1% in patients and 47.7% in controls (p = 0.97). The most common presenting symptoms in CD patients were abdominal distension (61.11%) and failure to thrive (59.26%). Laboratory findings showed that mean anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A was 103 ± 168 U/ml, and anti-endomysium immunoglobulin A was positive in 51.85% of patients. Histopathological assessment revealed Marsh 3C as the most common finding (37%), while 37% of patients were diagnosed without biopsy. IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence of the A/A genotype in CD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). The A/G and G/G genotypes were protective against CD, with odds ratios of 0.088 and 0.079, respectively. No significant associations were observed between IL-15 genotypes and clinical, laboratory, or histological variables. After 6 to 9 months on a GFD, genotype did not significantly influence symptom resolution (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum IL-15 levels are elevated in newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients. The IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) A/A genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to CD, while the A/G and G/G genotypes appear protective. These findings highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CD. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore therapeutic applications.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy linked to HLA-DQ2/DQ8 alleles, with IL-15 playing a key role in its pathogenesis. • Variability in IL-15 genetic polymorphisms has been suggested but remains underexplored in pediatric populations.

WHAT IS NEW

• This study identifies the IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) A/A genotype as a risk factor for CD, while A/G and G/G genotypes are protective. • Elevated serum IL-15 levels in newly diagnosed patients highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Growth Stunting and Nutritional Deficiencies among Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease in Kuwait: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) in Kuwait and investigate the nutritional deficiencies and sociodemographic factors associated with growth stunting in this population.

METHODS

This case-control study included 77 CD patients aged 3-18 years diagnosed with CD using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and duodenal biopsy and 33 healthy controls. Nutritional status was evaluated based on demographic and clinical characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CD and growth stunting.

RESULTS

Approximately one-third (31%) of children with CD had stunted growth, 20.8% had a low body mass index for their age, and 5.2% had both growth stunting and wasting. Children with CD had higher odds of iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and lower socioeconomic status. They were also younger and had decreased serum levels of vitamin D compared to the controls. These factors were all significantly associated with an increased risk of CD, collectively explaining over 50% of the risk. For growth stunting, lower education status among mothers, family income, and serum ferritin were identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of children and adolescents with CD had malnutrition, overt deficiencies, and impaired growth despite coherence with a gluten-free diet.

RECOMMENDATION

Routine monitoring and targeted nutritional interventions are recommended for children and adolescents with CD to address malnutrition and growth stunting. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and enhancing maternal education may also help mitigate the risk factors.

Vulnerability in Children with Celiac Disease: Findings from a Scoping Review

(1) Background: The scientific literature highlights that children diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) are at a heightened risk of experiencing physical, psychological, and social challenges, impacting their overall healthy childhood development. However, there remains a lack of a clear understanding regarding the factors that contribute to this vulnerability. The purpose of this study is to analyze and map the evidence on the sociopsychosomatic vulnerability of these children and identify gaps in this topic. (2) Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines for scoping reviews, we executed a detailed search of key electronic databases and explored the grey literature to capture a broad spectrum of studies. Our focus was on identifying research that looked into the multiple dimensions of vulnerability-physical, psychological, and social-in children with CD. We included a diverse range of study designs as well as systematic reviews, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. The selection process was stringent, utilizing clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. (3) Results: We identified 61 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The review highlighted significant adverse health outcomes in children with CD and elucidated various individual and environmental determinants that influenced these vulnerabilities. It also underscored the lack of assessment tools to evaluate the risk of health problems in this population. (4) Conclusions: The findings underscore a critical need for further research to deepen our understanding of the vulnerabilities associated with CD in children. Developing targeted assessment tools will be crucial in stratifying health risks and enhancing care strategies for this vulnerable population.

Coeliac disease is a strong risk factor for Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease while a gluten free diet is protective: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) mechanisms are well described, but the aetiology is uncertain. Coeliac disease (CD), a gluten enteropathy with increased duodenal eosinophils overlaps with GORD. Functional dyspepsia is a condition where duodenal eosinophilia is featured, and a 6-fold increased risk of incident GORD has been observed. Perturbations of the duodenum can alter proximal gastric and oesophageal motor function. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the association between CD and GORD.

METHODS

A systematic search of studies reporting the association of GORD and CD was conducted. CD was defined by combined serological and histological parameters. GORD was defined based on classical symptoms, oesophagitis (endoscopic or histologic) or abnormal 24-h pH monitoring; studies reporting oesophageal motility abnormalities linked with GORD were also included. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model.

FINDINGS

31 papers were included. Individuals with CD on a gluten containing diet were 3 times more likely to have GORD than controls (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.09-5.44), and over 10 times more likely when compared to those on a gluten free diet (GFD) (OR: 10.20, 95% CI: 6.49-16.04). Endoscopic oesophagitis was significantly associated with CD (OR: 4.96; 95% CI: 2.22-11.06). One year of a GFD in CD and GORD was more efficacious in preventing GORD symptom relapse than treatment with 8 weeks of PPI in non-CD GORD patients (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.36). Paediatric CD patients were more likely to develop GORD (OR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.46-7.43), compared to adult CD patients (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.65-3.93).

INTERPRETATION

CD is strongly associated with GORD but there was high heterogeneity. More convincingly, a GFD substantially improves GORD symptoms, suggesting a role for duodenal inflammation and dietary antigens in the aetiology of a subset with GORD. Ruling out CD in patients with GORD may be beneficial.

FUNDING

The study was supported by an Investigator Grant from the NHMRC to Dr. Talley.

Celiac disease in paediatric patients in the United Arab Emirates: a single-center descriptive study

Introduction

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that is provoked by the consumption of gluten in genetically vulnerable individuals. CD affects individuals worldwide with an estimated prevalence of 1% and can manifest at any age. Growth retardation and anemia are common presentations in children with CD. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of CD in multiple "at risk groups" and to characterize children with CD, presented to a tertiary hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

The study reviewed medical charts of all patients <18 years who had received serologic testing for CD. The study was conducted at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai, UAE, from January 2018 to July 2021. Extracted information from medical records included sociodemographics, laboratory findings, clinical presentation, and any associated co-morbidities. The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) criteria were used to identify patients with CD.

Results

During the study period, 851 paediatric patients underwent serological screening for CD, out of which, 23 (2.7%) were confirmed with CD. Of the 23 patients diagnosed with CD, 43.5% had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Diabetes type 1 (30.4%) followed by iron deficiency anaemia (30%) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (9%) were the most commonly associated comorbidities. The prevalence of CD among paediatric patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (12.5%) was 1.92-times higher than that among paediatric patients with diabetes type 1 (6.5%).

Conclusion

The results of this study show that almost three out of every 100 paediatric patients who were screened for CD were confirmed to have the condition. These findings highlight the importance of screening children who are at risk or present symptoms suggestive of CD, to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Is There a Predictive Factor for an Association with Autoimmune Glandular Disease in Children Diagnosed with Celiac Disease?

OBJECTIVE

A close relationship has been suggested between Celiac disease (CD) and glandular autoimmunity. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors for autoimmune glandular disease (AGD) in children with CD.

METHODS

The study included 228 pediatric patients, diagnosed with CD between 2010 and 2019. The cases with AGD (Group 1) and those without AGD (Group 2) and the patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (Group A) and those without T1DM (Group B) were retrospectively reviewed and compared in terms of clinical and laboratory features.

RESULTS

AGD was detected in 8.8% (n=20) of the patients: T1DM in 13 (65%), T1DM and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in 3 (15%), HT only in 2 (10%), T1DM and Graves disease (GD) in 1 (5%), and GD only in 1(5%). The mean age at the diagnosis of CD was significantly higher in Group 1 (10.93±4.15 years) compared to Group 2 (8.10±4.19 years) (p<0.05) and also was significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (p<0.05). Most of the diagnoses of AGD were made before the diagnosis of CD and age was an effective factor. There was no difference between Group 1 and Group 2 and Group A and Group B in terms of gender, typical/atypical CD ratio, tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTGA) level, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 positivity rate, and histopathological stage.

CONCLUSION

Although patients with a diagnosis of co-existent CD and AGD were significantly older than patients with isolated CD, gender, celiac symptoms, TTGA level, HLA type, and histopathological stage had no predictive value for the coexistence of AGD in patients with CD.

The prevalence, immune profile, and clinical characteristics of children with celiac disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus in the state of Qatar

OBJECTIVES

Children with antibody positive type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes) are at an increased risk of developing celiac disease (CD) which suggests a common autoimmune basis with both high-risk human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA factors playing a role in the pathophysiology. We aim to describe the prevalence, immune profile, and clinical characteristics of children with CD who have type 1 diabetes mellitus in Qatar.

METHODS

All children (aged 0-18 years) attending a regional diabetes clinic with antibody positive type 1 diabetes were screened for CD. Measurement of tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG as well as anti-endomysial antibody, was done, clinical details about the birth history, family history of diabetes and CD, age of onset, and ethnicity were collected.

RESULTS

Out of the 1,325 children with antibody positive type 1 diabetes, 54 were identified to have CD on screening and then confirmed on small bowel biopsy. The prevalence of CD in the type 1 diabetes childhood population in Qatar is 4.07%. CD and type 1 diabetes were more prevalent in the Qatari children (n=32) as compared to non-Qatari (n=22) and occurred mostly in the age group 6-10 years. The most common type 1 diabetes antibodies in children with CD were glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin autoantibody. Twelve subjects were asymptomatic for CD symptoms and picked up only on screening.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CD in children with type 1 diabetes in Qatar is comparable to reports from around the world. Many children were asymptomatic and thus routine screening is recommended.

Evaluation of malnutrition status and clinical indications in children with celiac disease: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune systemic disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, which can lead to chronic malabsorption. Considering the changes in the manifestations of CD, this study aimed to determine anthropometric indices and clinical indications in children with CD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the children with CD who had referred to Imam Reza Celiac Clinic between 2016 and 2019. Totally, 361 children were eligible and their anti-tissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) level, weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were extracted from their records. The anthropometric indices were presented based on the criteria of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). The prevalent symptoms were assessed, as well.

RESULTS

Based on the CDC's criteria, 18.3, 28.8, and 25.8% of the children had short stature, low body weight, and low BMI, respectively. These measures were obtained as 10, 22.4, and 13.9% according to the WHO's categorization respectively. Furthermore, the most common symptoms among the children were abdominal pain (56.5%), skeletal pain (28%), constipation (27.4%), and anemia (23.8%).

CONCLUSION

To sum up, the results clearly indicated that growth failure and low height, weight, and BMI were prevalent among the children with CD. Moreover, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, a considerable number of patients had skeletal pain and anemia.