Serologic evaluation of celiac disease in patients with beta thalassemia major and control

AIM: This study reports evaluated prevalence of CD in patients with Beta-thalassemia major. BACKGROUND: Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study in a period of 3 years, which was performed on 620 children in two groups of Beta-thalassemia major patients (n=200) and control (n=420), serum tissue transglutamianse (tTG) IgA levels were measured. The two groups were compared together in terms of tTG IgA levels, and p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The means of serum tTG IgA levels in patients with Beta-thalassemia major and control groups were 28.81±68.44 and 6.94±6.68 U/mL, respectively. There was a significant difference in favor of the case group (p=0.000). Body mass index in the two case and control groups had a significant difference (t=3.859, p=0.001). Belonging to each group will change the probability of having less than 20 in tTG IgA (odds=0.285) and it means that belonging to the control group has a protective role. There is only a significant association in the case of all population (r=0.102, p=0.011). Body mass index in the two case and control groups had a significant difference (t=3.859, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Probability of CD should be considered since the prevalence of CD is high in patients with and Beta-thalassemia major. Patients with thalassemia major are recommended for screening for CD.