Prevalence of an association between coeliac disease and vitiligo

Henker J, Hartmann A (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Hautarzt Springer Verlag (Germany)

DOI: 10.1007/s00105-019-04482-5

Abstract

Coeliac disease and vitiligo are immune-mediated disorders that are often associated with other immune-mediated disorders. In a prospective study we included 174 patients with vitiligo between the ages of 3 and 79 years (mean 38.2 years) to investigate whether there is an increased risk for coeliac disease in patients with vitiligo. We determined immunoglobulin A and IgA- and IgG-antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, while also optionally measuring blood count, ferritin, and endomysial-IgA-antibodies. In 3 of 174 (1.7%) vitiligo patients, coeliac disease was diagnosed serologically and by duodenal biopsy. Assuming a coeliac disease prevalence of less than 0.0033%, the incidence is statistically significant. In two other patients with vitiligo, coeliac disease was already known and confirmed with biopsy. If these two patients are included in the calculation, 2.8% (5 von 176) of vitiligo patients have coeliac disease. This value is statistically significant even with a higher coeliac disease prevalence of 0.01. Thus, it is recommended that celiac-disease-specific antibodies also be determined during routine blood workup in vitiligo patients. In case of positive results, a gastroduodenoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine is recommended for diagnosis confirmation. If celiac disease is unlikely, a trial of gluten-free diet for a specific time should nevertheless be discussed with individuals affected by vitiligo because repigmentation appears possible.

Authors with CRIS profile

Arndt Hartmann Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie

Involved external institutions

Kinderzentrum Dresden-Friedrichstadt GbR DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Henker, J., & Hartmann, A. (2019). Prevalence of an association between coeliac disease and vitiligo. Hautarzt. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-019-04482-5

MLA:

Henker, J., and Arndt Hartmann. "Prevalence of an association between coeliac disease and vitiligo." Hautarzt (2019).

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