Abstract

Background: Undiagnosed CD may lead to unstable blood glucose levels, weight loss, growth failure, osteopenia. The primary objective of the study was to review CD screening practices in one center, describe symptoms at the time of diagnosis, and implement screening guidelines. The secondary objective was to carry out an educational intervention, to review practices after screening guidelines were established.

Methods: A total of 532 charts of patients with T1D treated in our center from 2007-2009 were reviewed. Data collected included times of screenings for CD, results of serologic tests, symptoms, and intestinal biopsy results. Two hundred and fifty charts from 2010-2012 were reviewed after an educational intervention with the same group of physicians.

Results: After the educational intervention to encourage implementation of screening guidelines, there was a statistically significant reduction in the interval between the diagnosis of T1D and first screening for CD. The majority were diagnosed in the first year after T1D diagnosis, only 30 % were symptomatic.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that patients with T1D should be screened within the first several months after diagnosis, on an annual basis thereafter, even in the absence of gastroenterologic symptoms of CD. This will allow early dietary intervention and reduce morbidities in this high-risk population.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, type 1, celiac disease, child