By Jaime Herndon

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that checking children for growth problems may also help identify children with celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body reacts to gluten, which is a component of wheat. The Celiac Disease Foundation estimates that approximately one out of every 100 people is affected.

Celiac disease can be hard to accurately diagnose, and is underdiagnosed in children, which may lead to short stature, and poor weight gain and growth. Compared to children without the condition, girls with celiac disease were shorter two years before their diagnosis, and boys with celiac disease were shorter one year before their diagnosis. The study found that five measures of height and weight may be effective in identifying children with celiac disease. Earlier diagnosis means earlier treatment, minimizing any growth-related problems.

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Published: March 17, 2015