FREQUENCY OF CELIAC DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH MICROCYTIC ANEMIA
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Keywords
Celiac disease, microcytic anemia, iron deficiency, anti-tTG, villous atrophy, Pakistan.
Abstract
: Celiac disease is a common but underdiagnosed cause of microcytic anemia due to gluten-induced villous atrophy and impaired iron absorption.
Objective: To determine the frequency of celiac disease in patients presenting with microcytic anemia at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad, from 15th August, 2024 to 15th February, 2025. Patients aged ≥12 years with microcytic anemia underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, anti-tTG serology, and duodenal biopsy when indicated. Data were analyzed to determine the proportion of biopsy-confirmed celiac disease.
Results: Among 210 patients, 29 were biopsy-confirmed celiac disease cases, yielding a frequency of 13.8%. CD-positive patients showed lower hemoglobin levels, more gastrointestinal symptoms, and higher rates of severe villous atrophy.
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of microcytic anemia patients had underlying celiac disease, supporting routine screening to enable earlier diagnosis and management.
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Dr Choudhry Tahir Ali
MBBS, FCPS (Gastroenterology), MSPH, Senior Registrar, HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad, Email: [email protected]
Dr Mehwish Zafar
Ph.D (Mathematics), Riphah International University, Islamabad.,
Email: [email protected]
Dr Shafaq Farooq
MBBS, FCPS (Gastroenterology), Senior Registrar Gastroenterology, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Email: [email protected]
Dr Hina Dilruba Khan
MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), Assistant Professor Medicine, HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad, Email: [email protected]
Dr Syed Hur Hussain Hamdani
Senior Registrar Medicine, HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad
Email: [email protected]
Dr Muhammad Aamir Majeed
Senior Registrar Medicine, HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
