Different Clinical Features of Celiac Disease in Children, Adolescents, and Adults; a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Celiac disease is a common disorder but there are few studies comparing the clinical features of the disease in adults, adolescents and children.

METHODS:

 Demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients with celiac disease referred to the Celiac Clinic were evaluated and compared in different age groups.

RESULTS:

Of 3416 participants, 473 patients were included. 302(63.8%) were women and 171(36.2%) were men. Overall, 325(68.7%) and 411 (86.9%) patients had gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI manifestations, respectively. The most common symptom in adults was psychiatric problems (66.5%), while abdominal discomfort was the most common symptom in adolescents (45.2%) and children (53.8%). According to age groups, GI manifestations were seen in 79 (66.4%), 119 (59.8%), and 127 (81.9%) children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Adults had significantly more GI manifestations than the other groups (PR 1.167; 95% CI: 1.094-1.244; p<0.001). Non-GI manifestations were seen in 90 (75.6%), 174 (87.4%), and 147 (94.8%) children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Adults had significantly more non-GI manifestations than the other groups (PR 1.112; 95% CI: 1.060-1.168; p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study showed that there were significant differences in the clinical features of celiac disease between the different age groups. Considering these results may help plan for future studies.