Celiac disease with various presentations

Background : Celiac disease (CD) has a wide clinical spectrum from malabsorption syndrome to extra intestinal presentations. A total of 45 children with CD presented with mainly chronic diarrhea (n :23), anemia (n: 12), and short stature (n: 10) were evaluated in this study. The aim was to find common parameters of CD with various presentations. Methods : Basic anthropometric, biochemical and hematological parameters in cases with CD with various presentations were compared. Results : It was found that children with CD presenting with chronic diarrhea were younger. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin levels in children with CD presenting with anemia. Children with CD with short stature had significantly lower serum vitamin B12 levels and lower levels of height standard deviation scores, bone age delay, and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions : It was concluded that children, especially infants with chronic diarrhea with CD, may not be affected with generalized malabsorption. Anemia and short stature are frequent findings in cases with CD whether they are main presenting symptoms or not. Children with CD presenting with short stature may have lower levels of vitamin B12 than other presentations.