Celiac disease among at-risk individuals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To perform a meta-analysis for celiac diseases)CD(among at-risk populations in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)KSA(, as well as a comparison with our previously reported meta-analysis in the normal population. Methods: In March 2018, at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA we commenced a retrospective comprehensive database and journal search for CD among at-risk populations in SA. Data from each of the relevant articles were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20)Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.(. and the comprehensive meta-analysis program)CMA(. The collected data were part of a retrospective literature review and analysis. Thus, a written ethical approval was not obtained before commencing the study. Results: Sixteen articles were found covering type-1 diabetes mellitus)DM(, short stature)SS(, and down syndrome)DS(. Ages 1-50 years. The prevalence of seropositive-CD was 15.6% with high heterogeneity)I2=80.353(, while prevalence of biopsy-proven CD was 10.6% with high heterogeneity)I2=73.359(. Another article reported the CD prevalence in the at-risk population as 18.4% for the seroprevalence and 6.9% for the biopsy-proven CD. Anti-transglutaminase)anti-tTG(was used in 12 studies; in the remaining 4 studies)EMA in 2, ARA with AGA in one and no details given in one study(. Conclusion: Both the prevalence of biopsy-proven CD)10.6%(and seroprevalence)15.6%(were higher than those we previously reported in the normal population)1.4% and 2.7%(. The female-to-male ratio)1.9/1(of CD patients was the same in normal and at-risk populations in SA. Meta-analysis for prevalence of CD in DM, SS, and DS separately in SA is recommended.