Celiac disease screening in short stature children using antigliadin IgA and IgG

Abstract EN

Objective : to assess the possibility of celiac diseasein short stature children by estimating serum level of antigliadin IgA and IgG.

Method: Forty short stature children (height below 3rd centile) were screened, 18 (45 %) were males and 22 (55 %) were females with male / female ratio ; 1 : 1.2.Antigliadin IgA and IgG levels were assessed by ELISA, and considered to be positive if the level of antibody ≥ 18 IU / dL.

All patients had been already sent for X ray for bone age, thyroid function test, and growth hormone assessment (both basal and after stimulation).

No patient on gluten-free diet.

Results : Of the 40 patients, 12 patients (30 %) had positive antigliadin antibody test, 3 of them (25 %) had no underlying cause for short stature, while 9 (75 %) had already diagnosed cause.

Conclusion : screening for celiac disease is mandatory in all short stature children.