The association of coeliac disease in childhood with functional gastrointestinal disorders: a prospective study in patients fulfilling Rome III criteria

Abstract

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 783–789 Summary Background An association between coeliac disease (CD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has at present only been demonstrated in adults. Aims To assess the prevalence of FGIDs at 1 year and the role of psychological aspects on the development of FGIDs in CD children. Methods One‐hundred consecutive CD children (36M and 64F) were followed up for 1 year. Fifty‐six children (25M and 31F) represented the control group. All children and/or their parents completed validated questionnaires for GI symptoms, depression, and anxiety. GI symptoms at diagnosis and after 1 year of gluten‐free diet (GFD) were compared. Results Twenty‐three/82 (28%) CD patients followed up prospectively, on GFD from at least 1 year, fulfilled the Rome III criteria for FGIDs compared with 5/56 (8.9%) controls (P = 0.008; χ² = 6.8; OR: 3.97; 95% CI: 1.40–11.21). Children complaining with GI symptoms alone [21/52 (40.3%)] more likely fulfilled Rome III criteria for FGIDs after 1 year of GFD than children with extra‐intestinal symptoms (P = 0.045). CD children with FGDIs presented significantly higher anxiety and depression compared to CD children without FGIDs and controls (P = 0.02). Conclusions This study demonstrates that children with CD on a GFD for a year have a much higher prevalence of functional GI symptoms than do controls. Whether the risk is due to the residua of a chronic inflammatory process, and/or due to psychological factors remains to be further tested.