The possible link between coeliac and Kawasaki diseases in Brazil: a cross-sectional​ study

What is it about?

A previous study disclosed a surprisingly high prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in children with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD). Our objective was to confirm the existence of a higher prevalence of CD among individuals with a history of KD.

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Why is it important?

Patients with CD frequently exhibit concurrent autoimmune diseases, conversely, patients with other autoimmune diseases may also be affected by CD, particularly those with T1DM or thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Currently, the positions of the ESPGHAN is that pediatric endocrinologists should screen all patients with T1DM for CD soon after diabetes is diagnosed, since manifestations of CD are often subtle, making early screening extremely relevant. A high prevalence CD in children with a history of KD would place the risk of CD in patients with a history of KD at the same level of any other group considered highly prone to CD, as is the case for T1DM, Down's syndrome and first-degree relatives of patients with CD. Consequently, this would turn screening for CD in all children with a history of KD mandatory.

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