Clinical Characteristics of Celiac Disease Patients in Qassim Region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: It is well known that celiac disease has a negative influence on patients’ health and quality of life. It has a wide range of presentation from symptomless to multiple organ dysfunction but mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. Consequently, it is considered a main cause of mortality, morbidity, and health burden. We aim to evaluate the quality of life affected in gluten-free diet and to identify the serological characteristics of celiac disease patients in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia and King Fahad Specialist Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional-based study conducted in King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia, composed of 58 patients with celiac disease for 9 years between August 2011 and August 2020. Results: Fifty-eight patents were included (79.3% females and 65.5% married), who were divided according to their ages into five groups. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or weight loss were the major patient complaints. A total of 64% of the patients had a +ve (tTG) IgA test at the time of diagnosis, while 17% were -ve. Of the studied patients, 78% reported that they had undergone a duodenal biopsy sampling. No other significant abnormalities were detected between females and males or among the five diagnosed age groups. Conclusion: Patients with celiac disease reported poor health-related quality of life across the board. However, social interaction, emotional role functioning, and emotional well-being were the most important factors.