Abstract

Background: Coeliac disease is the most common disease in children less than 5 years old andmay cause many serious complications. The frequency of anti-tTG (IgA) in these children were also determined.

Aim: To detect anti-tissue-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies (i.e., IgA) in children under5 years old with signs and symptoms of coeliac disease, as well as to detect the relationship of seropositivity with signs, symptoms, age, and gender.

Methods: This work was a descriptive, cross-sectional study performed atthe Omdurman Pediatric Military Hospital (Khartoum) from April to June 2017. A total of 90children under 5 years of age, including40 (44.4%) males and 50 (55.6%) females, were enrolled. These patients suffered from coeliac disease signs and symptoms. Anti-tTG (IgA)levels were tested in serum specimens through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were collected using a questionnaire andanalyzed with SPSS program version 16.

Results: The overall results revealed that 5(5.6%) were positive for anti-tTG, 4 of whom were females. Statistical analysis showed significant relation between coeliac disease and gender (P = 0.055). Regarding age, all positive for coeliac disease were 2–3years old. Statistical analysis showed a significant relation between anti-tTG seropositivity and age (P = 0.000).

All infected children (positive for anti-tTG) were suffering from diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Conclusion: Coeliac disease was prevalent inchildren, especially amongst those aged 2–3 years. Statistical analysis showed significant relation anti-tTG seropositivity,age,and gender.

Keywords: Serodetection rate, Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, Coeliac disease, Children