A Almallouhi et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.70316. Clinical outcome of constipation as the presenting symptom in children with celiac disease
Background: “It is not clear if CeD prevalence is higher in children with refractory and chronic constipation or not.11–15 The current guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) do not consider constipation an indication for CeD testing in the absence of suggestive family history, growth, or developmental delay.”
Methods: This was a retrospective study (1994-2024) of children (<18 years) who presented with constipation and then diagnosed with celiac disease (CeD). There were 248 children with CeD, 177 (71%) had biopsy-confirmed CeD, and 56 (23%) were diagnosed with serology-only criteria
Key findings:
My take:
- It is unclear if having constipation increases the risk of celiac disease
- Many children with celiac disease also have functional disorders like irritable bowel and constipation that often continue despite a gluten-free diet
Related blog posts:
- When Celiac Disease Symptoms Continue Despite a Gluten Free Diet
- Does It Make Sense to Look for Celiac Disease in Children with Functional Constipation?
- Dr. Arun Singh: Tips and Tricks to Managing Celiac Disease
- Increased Risk of Irritable Bowel Before and After the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
- Celiac Disease: Pro Tips (Part 4)
- Treatment of Refractory Celiac Symptoms with a Low FODMAP Diet
- Functional Abdominal Pain in Children with Celiac Disease
Also, Dr. Balistreri gives a Bowel Sounds Podcast on Hep B. Here’s the link: https://t.co/BmEUoC9YQt
Related blog posts:
gutsandgrowth 