Hypertransaminasemia in paediatric population of coeliac disease

Background: Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterised by recurrent loose stools and malnutrition. It is a multi-system disease with haemotological, hepatic and neurological manifestations. The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hepatic dysfunction (transaminase levels) among the paediatric patients (<18 years) with CD. Methods: This was prospective study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Results: Of the 73 patients of CD studied, 31 (42.46%) had abnormal hepatic function, as evidenced by elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in 31 patients (42.46%) and raised serum aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in 29 patients (39.72%). Oral ulcers, vomiting, night blindness, pedal oedema, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and ascites were statistically more common in CD patients with abnormal hepatic functions. Conclusions: The close association between coeliac disease and liver disorders calls for an effective screening effort and strict surveillance for CD. Copyright (C) 2014, Indian Journal of Medical Specialities. Published by Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.