Serological screening of celiac disease in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

Background Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) seem to be at higher risk of developing immune-mediated diseases like celiac disease (CD) than general population. Aim The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of CD among children and adolescents with JIA. Patients and methods We carried out a cross-sectional study that included 42 JIA patients under the age of 16 years. In addition to demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (anti-TTG IgA) antibodies were measured using a novel chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results Only one (2.4%) patient had positive anti-TTG IgA. There was no significant correlation between anti-TTG IgA and terms of growth parameters, JIA subtype, or medications. Conclusion JIA patients seem to be at higher risk to develop CD. Being mostly asymptomatic, they should be candidates for periodic screening. Methodologically standardized larger studies are recommended to reach a cost-effective protocol for monitoring JIA patients regarding the development of CD, adding to early diagnosis and control of the disease.