Celiac disease among patients with iron deficency anemia

Abstract EN

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common presenting features of coeliac disease (CD).

The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of CD among patients with otherwise unexplained IDA and reviewing the literatures.

This was a cross sectional study of patients with IDA.

Gastroduodenoscopy was performed to determine the cause of anemia.

Four biopsies were taken from the second part of duodenum.

Small intestinal histologic features were interpreted according to the revised Marsh criteria.

Total number of patients was 47, 28 males and 19 females.

Mean age of 26.9 ± 13.3 years.

Twenty of 47 patients (42%) had biopsy result consistent with CD.

All CD patients were at age of 28 year and below.

Only one patient was at age of 45 year.

Out of 20 CD patients, 16 were having Marsh grade IIIB and 4 with Marsh grade IIIC.

Fourteen were males and 6 were females All patients with other wise unexplained IDA should have upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with at least four biopsies from the duodenum to exclude CD.