Celiac Disease-Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Mechanisms in Children to Adults.

Abstract

We aim to review the current literature on the association of musculoskeletal disorders and celiac disease that is a common disorder, affecting about 1% of the population. Extra-intestinal symptoms and presentations predominate. While the literature supports an association with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk and celiac disease, there is little evidence supporting associations with other rheumatological conditions. Patients frequently report musculoskeletal symptoms; however, studies of specific disease entities suffer from a lack of standardization of testing for celiac disease and a lack of control groups. Well-controlled, preferably population-based studies are required to further explore a relationship between celiac disease and musculoskeletal disorders.