Characterization and Short-Term Outcome of Potential Celiac Disease in Children

Background and Objectives: Potential Celiac Disease (PCD) is defined by positive celiac serology without villous atrophy. We aimed to describe the short-term outcome of pediatric PCD while consuming a gluten-containing diet (GCD). Materials Methods: Retrospective analysis patients continuing GCD, between December 2018–January 2022. Baseline demographics, duodenal biopsy results were reviewed. Follow-up data included repeated when performed. Minimum follow-up was 12 months unless disease (CeD) diagnosed earlier. Results: in 90 children (71% females) with mean age 7.2 (range 1.8–16.5) years. anti-tissue transglutaminase (TTG) levels above 10 times upper limit normal (ULN) 17/90 (18.9%), 3–10 × ULN 56/90 (62.2%) 1–3 (18.9%). During follow-up, time 17.6 5–35) months, TTG normalized 34/90 (37.8%), stable 48/90 (53.3%), increased or remained >10 8/90 (8.9%). In 20/90 (22.2%) patients, repeat endoscopy performed, leading CeD diagnosis 12/20 (60%). Thus, at end 12/90 (13.3%). diagnosis, 5/17, decreased 8/17, 4/17. Conclusions: less than 15% progressed CeD. A third had levels, including ULN, indicating need for periodic serological histological among patients.