Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated disorder triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible persons. Clinical features of CD are protean and reflect its systemic nature. Nutritional deficiencies described among celiac patients include vitamin B12, folic acid and fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin A (VA), a fat soluble vitamin, is abundant in daily nutrition. In cases of malnutrition or malabsorption, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) may commence, as is the case in certain celiac patients.
Objectives: to assess the prevalence and severity of VAD among newly diagnosed CD patients in comparison to pediatric patients evaluated endoscopically in whom CD has been ruled out.
Methods: a prospective cohort study, among children 1-18 years old evaluated endoscopically for GI complaints. The primary endpoint was serum VA levels along with Hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, IgA and vitamin D levels.
Results: 79 children suspected of CD were evaluated. 46 children were diagnosed with CD on the base of histopathology findings and 32 served as controls, (1 non conclusive). No difference was found regarding hemoglobin, CRP and VA levels. TTG were higher in the celiac group (median 200 vs. 0.1, Pvalue <0.001). Ferritin and Vitamin D levels were lower in the celiac group compared to controls (mean 16.71 vs. 25.59, p value 0.005 and median 26 vs. 32, p value 0.002, respectively).
Conclusions: Overall, the risk for VAD in CD at diagnosis was not higher than in the control group. Therefore, it should not be part of the routine evaluation of newly diagnosed patients.
