Clinical evaluation of cases followed-up for celiac disease

OBJECTIVE

Celiac disease is frequent and has variable clinical presentation. In this study, evaluating clinical findings of children with celiac disease is aimed.

METHODS

Age, gender, age of diagnosis, symptoms, duration of symptoms, anthropometric measurements, laboratory findings, the anthropometric and laboratory findings after a year of gluten free diet are noted from the hospital records retrospectively. Anthropometric and laboratory findings before and after treatment were compared. Additionally, the relation of duration of symptoms, age of diagnosis, symptoms with anthropometric and laboratory findings were investigated.

RESULTS

Of 37 cases 22 were girls, mean age was 9.0±4.3 years. Mean age at onset of symptoms was 3.3±4.1 years (median 2 years), mean duration of symptoms was 3.1±3.0 years (median 1.96 years). Mean age of diagnosis was 7.5±4.7 years. Cases presented mostly with chronic diarrhea (62.2%), abdominal distention (59.5%), abdominal pain (59.5%) and failure to thrive (48.6%). Mostly anemia (24%) and type 1 diabetes (14%) accompanied. Chronic malnutrition (52%) was most frequent. Anthropometric and laboratory findings improved significantly after diet. Chronic diarrhea and anorexia were influential on growth. Duration of symptoms and age of diagnosis were negatively correlated with anthropometric findings.

CONCLUSION

As the gastrointestinal symptoms are more important in diagnosis of celiac disease, it gives rise to think the requirement for raising the knowledge of other clinical manifestations of the disease. Moreover, negative effect of long duration of symptoms and delay in diagnosis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. Arrangement of treatment by considering symptoms and signs like anorexia and anemia besides gluten free diet is important.