When to screen children with Down syndrome for celiac disease?

J Trop Pediatr. 2010 Dec;56(6):443-5. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmq026. Epub 2010 Apr 13.

Abstract

The coexistence of Down syndrome (DS) and celiac disease (CD) has been reported in many studies. In our study, we examined 82 children with DS aged 8 months to 8.6 years for the existence of CD using serological markers immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) transglutaminase antibodies, followed by follow-up determination of total IgA levels. In four children who were positive for one of the above-mentioned antibodies, enteric biopsy has been performed that showed absence of CD. Our findings raise doubt about the need for obligatory serological screening of children with DS aged <8 years.

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Celiac Disease / blood
  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Celiac Disease / epidemiology
  • Celiac Disease / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Serbia / epidemiology
  • Transglutaminases / blood*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Transglutaminases