RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CELIAC DISEASE AND IDIOPATHIC SHORT STATURE IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) in children with idiopathic short stature and assess growth hormone (GH) differences between affected and unaffected children.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on serological or biopsy-confirmed CeD in children with idiopathic short stature were included. Data sources included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalKey. Pooled prevalence estimates and standardized mean differences in GH levels were calculated using a random-effects model using comprehensive meta-analysis software.

Results: Our results included eleven studies with a total of 1873 children with short stature and 946 (50.5%) of them were males. Ten studies were included. The pooled seroprevalence of CeD was 22.7% (95% CI: 20.6%–25.0%), while the biopsy-confirmed prevalence was 14.8% (95% CI: 12.1%–18.0%). GH levels did not significantly differ between children with and without CeD (pooled SMD = 0.023, 95% CI: -0.259 to 0.304; p = 0.874). Conclusion: CeD is a relatively common and often overlooked cause of idiopathic short stature in children. Routine screening for CeD in this population is recommended, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve growth outcomes. GH levels are not significantly affected, reinforcing the importance of nutritional recovery in managing growth failure.