Background: Although prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is known from the western population, there is a lack of epidemiological data from India. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of CD among at high risk population in India.
Study Design: Patients considered to be at high risk for CD i.e. those presenting with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or infertility or idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) or the first-degree relatives of patients of CD were enrolled in the study. The study was conducted in a tertiary care of hospital with enrollment period from September 2012 to August 2013. They were screened for CD and anti tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody levels; and those who tested positive and consented, underwent endoscopic duodenal biopsy for confirmation.
Results: Prevalence of high anti-tTG was found in 27.3% of IDA patients, 4.3% among patients with T1DM, 12.8% of infertile female patients, 3% of the patients with IGE and 23.4% of the first degree relatives. Prevalence of villous atrophy was found in 4% of patients with IDA, 4.3% among those with T1DM, 1.8% among infertile female patients and 3% among patients with IGE. None of the first degree relatives consented for intestinal biopsy.
Conclusion: Prevalence of CD was high among patients presenting with IDA, T1DM and IGE. Prevalence couldn’t be calculated in first degree relatives because of non-consenting patients. Better awareness among both patients and physicians is required in our country.