Aim: To evaluate the presentation patterns of a cohort of children diagnosed with coeliac disease (CD) at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
Methods: Children aged 16 years or less diagnosed with CD at Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, over the 11 year period between 2000 and 2010 were identified retrospectively. Diagnosis of CD was based upon standard histological criteria of endoscopically-obtained duodenal biopsies. Overlapping search methods were used to identify all relevant diagnoses within the time period. Endoscopy reports and histology findings were reviewed to confirm diagnosis. The numbers of diagnoses per year were calculated and changes in annual rates over the study period were delineated. Available records were reviewed to ascertain presenting symptoms, baseline anthropometry and the indication for referral for each child. In addition, the results of relevant investigations prior to diagnosis were accessed and reviewed. These key investigations included the results of coeliac serology testing (including tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies) as well as the results of tests measuring levels of micronutrients, such as iron. In addition, the histological findings of concurrent biopsies in the oesophagus and stomach were reviewed.
Results: Over the 11 year study period, 263 children were diagnosed with CD at this New Zealand paediatric facility. Children were diagnosed from late infancy to 16.9 years: the largest subgroup of children (n = 111) were diagnosed between 5 and 12 years of age. The numbers of children diagnosed each year increased from 13 per year to 31 per year over the 11 years (P = 0.0095). Preschool children (aged less than 5 years) were more likely to have low weight, and to have diarrhoea and abdominal pain prior to diagnosis. Older children (over 5 years of age) most commonly presented with abdominal pain. Fifty-six (21.6%) of the 263 children were diagnosed following screening in high risk groups, with 38 of these children having no symptoms at diagnosis. Mean weight Z scores were lower in children aged less than five years than children aged 5-12 years or older children (-0.4096 ± 1.24, vs 0.1196 ± 0.966 vs 0.0901 ± 1.14 respectively: P = 0.0033).
Conclusion: Increasing numbers of children were diagnosed with CD in this New Zealand centre over this time, with varied presentations and symptoms.
Keywords: Antibodies; Children; Coeliac disease; Screening; Small bowel biopsy.