Joint Involvement in Children with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease in children: A review of the literature

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated systemic disease triggered by intake of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The prevalence of celiac disease in the general population is estimated to be 1% in the world. Its prevalence differs depending on geographical and ethnic variations. The prevalence of celiac disease has increased significantly in the last 30 years due to the increased knowledge and awareness of physicians and the widespread use of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for celiac disease. Despite increased awareness and knowledge about celiac disease, up to 95% of celiac patients still remain undiagnosed. The presentations of celiac disease have significantly changed in the last few decades. Classical symptoms of celiac disease occur in a minority of celiac patients, while older children have either minimal or atypical symptoms. Serologic tests for celiac disease should be done in patients with unexplained chronic or intermittent diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, delayed puberty, short stature, amenorrhea, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, vomiting, chronic abdominal pain, abdominal distension, chronic constipation, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and abnormal liver enzyme elevation, and in children who belong to specific groups at risk. Early diagnosis of celiac disease is very important to prevent long-term complications. Currently, the only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment of celiac disease in the light of the latest literature.

Coeliac disease in childhood: An overview

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition, characterised by an immunological response to ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, affecting about 1% of the population in many regions of the world. Increased knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, improved diagnostic techniques and increased awareness over the years have transformed our understanding of CD such that it is no longer a rare enteropathy, but rather a common multisystem disorder which affects individuals of all ages and results in wide-ranging clinical manifestations. Only a minority of children now present with the classical clinical picture of profound diarrhoea and malnutrition. An increasing number of children with CD present with either mild, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms or extra-intestinal manifestations or even be asymptomatic, as in many screening-detected children. Knowledge about these diverse manifestations and a high index of suspicion is essential so that appropriate investigations can be undertaken, diagnosis established and treatment initiated. Although traditionally small bowel biopsy is considered essential for the diagnosis, recent guidelines from various professional bodies have paved the way to a biopsy-free diagnosis in a subset of symptomatic children. Life long, strict gluten-free diet still remains the only effective treatment at present, although several novel therapeutic agents are in various phases of clinical trials.

Nutrition Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Potential Use of Plant-Based Diets. A Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, affects roughly 1% of the world's population. RA pathogenesis remains unclear, but genetic factors account for 50–60% of the risk while the remainder might be linked to modifiable factors, such as infectious diseases, tobacco smoking, gut bacteria, and nutrition. Dietary triggers may play an inciting role in the autoimmune process, and a compromised intestinal barrier may allow food components or microorganisms to enter the blood stream, triggering inflammation. In addition, excessive body weight may affect pharmacotherapy response and the likelihood of disease remission, as well as the risk of disease mortality. Evidence suggests that changes in diet might play an important role in RA management and remission. Several studies have shown improvements in RA symptoms with diets excluding animal products. Studies have also shown that dietary fiber found in these plant-based foods can improve gut bacteria composition and increase bacterial diversity in RA patients, thus reducing their inflammation and joint pain. Although some of the trigger foods in RA patients are individualized, a vegan diet helps improve symptoms by eliminating many of these foods. This review examines the potential role of a plant-based diet in mediating RA symptoms. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of plant-based diets on joint pain, inflammation, and quality of life in patients with RA.

Extra-Intestinal Manifestations of Coeliac Disease in Children: Clinical Features and Mechanisms

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disease due to a dysregulated mucosal immune response to gluten and related prolamines in genetically predisposed individuals. It is a common disorder affecting ~1% of the general population, its incidence is steadily increasing. Changes in the clinical presentation have become evident since the 80s with the recognition of extra-intestinal symptoms like short stature, iron deficiency anemia, altered bone metabolism, elevation of liver enzymes, neurological problems. Recent studies have shown that the overall prevalence of extra-intestinal manifestations is similar between pediatric and adult population; however, the prevalence of specific manifestations and rate of improvement differ in the two age groups. For instance, clinical response in children occurs much faster than in adults. Moreover, an early diagnosis is decisive for a better prognosis. The pathogenesis of extra-intestinal manifestations has not been fully elucidated yet. Two main mechanisms have been advanced: the first related to the malabsorption consequent to mucosal damage, the latter associated with a sustained autoimmune response. Importantly, since extra-intestinal manifestations dominate the clinical presentation of over half of patients, a careful case-finding strategy, together with a more liberal use of serological tools, is crucial to improve the detection rate of CD.

Celiac Disease-Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Mechanisms in Children to Adults

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to review the current literature on the association of musculoskeletal disorders and celiac disease that is a common disorder, affecting about 1% of the population. Extra-intestinal symptoms and presentations predominate.

RECENT FINDINGS

While the literature supports an association with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk and celiac disease, there is little evidence supporting associations with other rheumatological conditions. Patients frequently report musculoskeletal symptoms; however, studies of specific disease entities suffer from a lack of standardization of testing for celiac disease and a lack of control groups. Well-controlled, preferably population-based studies are required to further explore a relationship between celiac disease and musculoskeletal disorders.

Extra-Intestinal Manifestation of Celiac Disease in Children

The aim of this literature review is to discuss the extra-intestinal manifestations of celiac disease within the pediatric celiac population.