[Histological features of celiac disease in south Tunisia: a study of 114 paediatric cases]

To report the histological features of celiac disease in a paediatric population originating from south Tunisia. A retrospective study of a series of duodenal biopsies from 114 children with celiac disease diagnosed over a period of 6 years [from January 1999 to December 2004]. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological results, serological studies and clinical response to gluten free diet. The average age of patients was of 6.2 years [range 6 months-15 years]. Sex ratio was 0.71. Symptoms were dominated by chronic diarrhea [48%], weight loss [50%] and anemia [20.1%]. Histological findings showed an intraepithelial lymphocytosis [Marsh type 1] in 12.2% of cases, type 2 was present in 1.7% of cases and type 3 [villous atrophy] in 86% of cases. A treatment with a gluten-free diet was indicated for all patients, only the cases who haven't presented a clinical amelioration [11 cases] have beneficed a control biopsie; a villous atrophy was persistent in 80% of this patients. Histological features in duodenal biopsies for the diagnosis and the follow-up of patients with coeliac disease. This allows an appropriate treatment and prevents further complications