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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Serological screening for Celiac Disease in 382 pre-schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: Sara Calderoni, Elisa Santocchi, Teresa Del Bianco, Elena Brunori, Laura Caponi, Aldo Paolicchi, Francesca Fulceri, Margherita Prosperi, Antonio Narzisi, Angela Cosenza, Raffaella Tancredi, Filippo Muratori

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Recent investigations suggest a possible common genetic background between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Celiac Disease (CD). However, studies regarding this association are scarce and often limited by the small sample sizes and/or large heterogeneity among ASD groups in terms of demographic and clinical features. The present study aims to investigate the overall CD prevalence (biopsy proven-CD patients plus screening detected tTG and EMA positive cases) in a large population of pre-schoolers with ASD referred to a tertiary care University Hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data about 382 children (mean age: 46.97 ± 13.55 months; age-range: 18-72 months) consecutively diagnosed as ASD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition criteria) over the period 2010–2013, and who performed a serological CD screening.

Results

The overall CD prevalence was 2.62%, which is statistically significant higher to that reported in the Italian paediatric population (p = 0.0246). Half of these children had no symptoms or risk factors related to CD when they performed the serological screening.

Conclusions

If replicated, these data suggest the importance of regular screening for CD in young patients with ASD, and are of relevance for clinical and public health.
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Metadata
Title
Serological screening for Celiac Disease in 382 pre-schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors
Sara Calderoni
Elisa Santocchi
Teresa Del Bianco
Elena Brunori
Laura Caponi
Aldo Paolicchi
Francesca Fulceri
Margherita Prosperi
Antonio Narzisi
Angela Cosenza
Raffaella Tancredi
Filippo Muratori
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-016-0308-x

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