Diagnosis of celiac disease is being missed in over 80% of children particularly in those from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds

Conclusion: These findings suggest that while incidence of diagnosed CD in children has increased over a 12-year period, 83 –91% remained undiagnosed. Socioeconomically deprived children are more likely to be underdiagnosed, and the gap between the least and most deprived has widened. To fully address massive underdiagnosis, further strategies including pilot studies using finger prick serological mass screening for CD in children entering primary schools are needed.What is Known:• Epidemiological studies record a 1% prevalence of celiac disease (CD), but up to 90% of children may remain undiagnosed.• Previous studies have documented an increased incidence of CD in higher socioeconomic groups, but proposed reasons remain conflicting.What is New:• Incidence of diagnosed CD has gone up across all social classes but more so in higher socioeconomic groups and there is an increasing health/wealth gap.•• This study estimates that 83–91% of children with CD are still being missed despite improved and easily available serological testing and suggest that population screening should be reconsidered.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research