Celiac disease; a hidden cause of iron deficiency anemia?

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine frequency of celiac disease in adults with inexplicable iron deficiency Anemia

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Study Design: Cross-sectional / observational study

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Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at all Medical units of Civil Hospital Karachi from December 2009 to June 2010

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Materials and Methods: The study included diagnosed cases of Iron Deficiency Anemia on basis of Iron profile without evident reason. They were evaluated for celiac disease on the basis of serological markers i.e. tissue transglutaminase antibodies [TTG] IgA type via standard laboratory procedures

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Results: A total of 100 patients with Iron deficiency anemia previously diagnosed on basis of serum levels were included in this study. The average age was 37.12 + 8.2years and 44 [44%] were males.Celiac disease was found via serology in 16 [16%] of the patients. Out of these 16 Celiac disease patients 7 [43.75%] were males and 9 [56.25%] were females with 1:1.28 male to femaleratio

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Conclusion: Celiac disease is an important cause of inexplicable Iron deficiency anemia especially in absence of gastro-intestinal symptoms. Serology though less sensitive, but can be an important screening tool for these patients