Prevalence of celiac disease in school children in Bikaner region of North West Rajasthan

Dr. Vijendra kumar garg; Dr. Vikash Katewa

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2017

Prevalence of celiac disease in school children in Bikaner region of North West Rajasthan

Dr. Vijendra Kumar Garg, Dr. Vikash Katewa

Abstract :

Background: Celiac disease is under diagnosed and considered to be uncommon disease in Indian children due to lack of awareness in Paediatricians and general practitioners. Objective: To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in school children in the Bikaner region of North West Rajasthan. Methodology: The study was carried out in school going children of Bikaner region. Results: A total of 1627 school children (861male, 766 female) were screened. Out of which, 354 were suspected as having celiac disease. A total of 321 children underwent anti–tTG level estimation and 22 children found to be positive for anti–tTG assay. 17 children showed histopathological findings consistent with CD. 5 children with high anti–tTG had normal histology. Thus the final prevalence of CD among school children in Bikaner region was 1.04% (1 in 96). Conclusion: Our study suggests that CD in India is more prevalent than previously appreciated, a vast majority of which still remains under diagnosed. Hence there is an urgent need to enhance the awareness of the disease among paediatricians and general practitioners.