Selective screening for celiac disease in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms: a retrospective study

Background. Currently, the effectiveness of various screening programs for celiac disease remains a matter of debate. According to most researchers, selective screening among patients with characteristic symptoms or at-risk groups is most effective. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of selective screening for celiac disease in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Materials and methods. In an open retrospective clinical study, the rate of celiac disease among 1,482 children who were examined in the Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital and the most significant symptoms of the disease depending on age were identified. Results. The mean rate of celiac disease was 8.26%: from 6 months to 3 years 7.25%, from 4 to 7 years 10.28%, from 8 to 14 years 9.33%, and in adolescents from 15 years and older 4.05%. The most significant symptoms of the disease in young children were abdominal distension/flatulence, asthenia, and weight loss; preschool children had stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea), abdominal distension/flatulence, and anemia. At the age of 8–14 years, only nausea was statistically significantly associated with celiac disease. We have not identified any significant symptoms in the older age group. Conclusion. Our study has shown the high effectiveness of selective screening for celiac disease. The selective screening program is most effective in children of early and preschool age, which defines this age category as a target for introducing screening programs in medical check-ups before enrollment to preschool institutions and schools.