A recent study (GJ Lee et al. JPGN 2016; 63: 340-3) adds a little bit more information regarding hypertransaminasemia in newly diagnosed celiac disease.  Some previous information was summarized in a previous blog: Celiac Hepatopathies (2013)

In this retrospective, single center study, 185 children had transaminases obtained at the time of celiac diagnosis (185/388 = 47.7%).

Key findings:

• Among this group, 28 (15.1%) had elevated transaminases, with an average of ALT 2.52 x ULN and AST 1.87 x ULN.
• Patients with elevated liver transaminases tended to be younger (mean 6.3 yrs compared with 11.0 without elevation). Among those who had followup blood testing available, 15/21 (71.4%) normalized their values over an average of 210 days.
• For the 6 who had persistent elevation of transaminases, 3 were suspected to have poor adherence, 1 was thought to have a fatty liver, 1 had only mild elevation, and 1 remained unexplained.

My take: This study indicates that elevated transaminases are common in children with celiac, particularly younger children.  As with other studies, the majority resolve on a gluten-free diet.  As there is a recognized association with autoimmune hepatitis, in those with elevated ALT, followup after institution of a gluten free diet seems prudent.

Iceberg Lake, Glacier Natl Park