Lipid Profile in Children with Celiac Disease: Effect of Six Months Gluten Free Diet

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leadingcauses of death among adult celiacs. Increased risk isattributed to unfavourable cholesterol profile. Studies on lipidprofile among celiacs have shown variable results. Effectof gluten free diet (GFD) on cardiovascular risk profile isfurther controversial. Knowledge among children can help inrisk stratification and timely modification of diet if needed.Current study objective was to record the lipid profile amongchildren with celiac and the impact of six months of glutenfree diet on it.Material and methods: In this single arm pre and postinterventional study, newly diagnosed symptomatic children1-14 years with Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodypositive and biopsy proven (Marsh 3) celiac were enrolled.Sample size of 31 was calculated as per TC and HDL referencelevels. Fasting Lipid profile was evaluated at baseline and atsix months of GFD. Children with diabetes, hypothyroidism,nephrotic syndrome, congenital hyperlipidaemia and on drugscausing hyperlipidaemia were excluded. The data analysis wasdone using Statistical software R and Stata 15.0. Quantitativevariables were compared using Paired T test/Wilcoxon test.Qualitative variables were correlated using Chi-Square test/Fisher’s exact test.Results: Median age of children was 8 years (5-10 years).Median age at onset of symptoms was 6 (3.15 -8.75) yearsand median duration of illness prior to diagnosis was 12 (7.5-24) months. 83.87% presented with typical GI symptoms.Mean Total cholesterol (TC) was 131.8±39.7 mg/dl, meanHDL cholesterol was 41.2±12.6 mg/dl, mean Triglycerideswas 92.0±35.5mg/dl and mean LDL was 75 ± 32.3 mg/dl atdiagnosis. Average increase in HDL after GFD was 13 (4.9 to21.3) mg/dl. TC/HDL ratio was decreased significantly afterGFD {-0.5 (-0.9 to -0.03)}.Conclusion: Children with celiac have a normal lipid profile.GFD for six months increases HDL-C plasma concentrationand lowers TC/HDL ratios.