Frequency of celiac disease in failure to thrive children aged 2-12 years, presenting to Madina teaching hospital, Faisalabad
Submission: 21 January 2025 | Acceptance: 19 March 2025 | Publication: 10 April 2026
Dr Sadia Bashir, Dr Aisha Sajid
Madinah Teaching hospital Faisalabad
Abstract
Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion and is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of failure to thrive (FTT) in children. In developing countries like Pakistan, the burden remains underdiagnosed due to atypical presentations.
Objective: To determine the frequency of celiac disease among children aged 2–12 years presenting with failure to thrive at Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatric Department of Madina Teaching Hospital over a period of 6 months. A total of 120 children aged 2–12 years presenting with FTT were included. Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) were used for screening, and diagnosis was confirmed by duodenal biopsy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Out of 120 children, 38 (31.6%) were diagnosed with celiac disease. The majority of affected children were aged 5–12 years. Common clinical features included diarrhea (58%), abdominal distension (52%), weight loss (55%), and anemia (49%). A statistically significant association was found between anemia and celiac disease (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Celiac disease is a common and underdiagnosed cause of FTT in children. Routine screening should be considered in all children presenting with unexplained growth failure.
Keywords:Celiac disease, Failure to thrive, Children, Faisalabad, tTGA