Nutritional Status of Subjects with Celiac Disease (CD) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia - A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is chronic gluten-sensitivity enteropathy. Due to the inflammatory reactions, it is known to cause malnutrition. Objective: The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of subjects with CD by anthropometric, biochemical methods. Subjects and Methods: The study followed a retrospective cross-sectional design-seventy-one subjects with CD registered in a tertiary care teaching hospital from 2008 to 2018. Data concerning demography, clinical manifestations, and the biochemical and iron profile of the selected subjects were collected by using IRB-approved data collection form from the Best Care Hospital Information system. The data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 22. Categorical variables and continuous variables were expressed respectively by frequencies and percentages and by mean ± SD. Comparison of mean values was done with student’s t-test. The IRB of KAIMRC approved the study. Results: The age of the subjects ranged from 3 to > 60 years. The majority (78.9%) of them were females. Moderate to severe underweight was found respectively among female and male children of 3-12 years. Adequate nutrition was reported among 13-18 years. According to BMI for age percentile, the prevalence of malnutrition among children was 8.7%, whereas 26.1% of the children with CD were either overweight or obese. BMI of adult subjects indicated that 29.6% were with energy deficiency and 32.4 % were overweight or obese. Iron deficiency was the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency found among the subjects, especially among females. Conclusion: Those with CD are at risk of iron efficiency anemia and loss of lean mass. Loss of lean mass and severe undernutrition results in growth retardation. The study indicates the importance of nutrition monitoring and follow up and nutrient supplementation to those with CD.