Evidence-Informed Expert Recommendations for the Management of Celiac Disease in Children
Abstract
Although the need for effective long-term follow-up for patients with celiac disease (CD) has been recognized by many expert groups, published practice guidelines have not provided a clear approach for the optimal management of these patients. In an attempt to provide a thoughtful and practical approach for managing these patients, a group of experts in pediatric CD performed a critical review of the available literature in 6 categories associated with CD to develop a set of best practices by using evidence-based data and expert opinion. The 6 categories included the following: bone health, hematologic issues, endocrine problems, liver disease, nutritional issues, and testing. Evidence was assessed by using standardized criteria for evaluating the quality of the data, grade of evidence, and strength of conclusions. Over 600 publications were reviewed, and 172 were chosen for inclusion. The thorough review of the results demonstrated that the quality of the data available was often insufficient to provide unequivocal best practices. However, using the available data and the clinical experience of the panel, a practical framework for the management of children with CD was created. These recommendations were developed by our expert panel and do not necessarily reflect the policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The potential usefulness of these best practices is underscored by the fact that consensus, measured by the outcome of anonymous voting, was reached by the panel for 24 of the 25 questions. We hope that these best practices may be useful to the pediatric gastroenterology and larger general pediatric communities.
- ALT —
- alanine aminotransferase
- AST —
- aspartate aminotransferase
- CBC —
- complete blood cell
- CD —
- celiac disease
- ESPGHAN —
- European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
- GFD —
- gluten-free diet
- Ig —
- immunoglobulin
- MNT —
- medical nutritional therapy
- NASPGHAN —
- North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
- T1DM —
- type 1 diabetes mellitus
- tTG —
- tissue transglutaminase
Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated illness triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible persons and affects ∼1% of the world’s population.1–4 Although great progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of CD in recent years,1–6 important problems still exist. One of the most pressing is the lack of effective long-term management programs to optimize the treatment of CD and the diagnosis and management of associated disease states.7,8 The need for effective long-term follow-up to improve compliance and outcomes for patients with CD has been recognized by many expert groups for several reasons.3–6 Patients with CD who do not carefully adhere to the gluten-free diet (GFD) appear to have an increased risk of mortality and lower quality of life assessments.9–11 In addition, patients with CD often have important nutritional deficiencies and are at increased risk for a variety of associated diseases.1–4
Despite this clearly recognized need for effective follow-up for CD, recent reports indicate that such optimal follow-up care is not being provided.7,8 Although many practice guidelines have been published in North America and Europe,3–6,12 they have not generated a consensus on when and how to provide effective management of these patients. This is likely due to the fact that few evidence-based data were available to support such management guidelines. The absence of clear recommendations on management may also have been influenced by the extremely dynamic nature of the field of gluten-related disorders in general, and of CD in particular. To help address these issues, a best practices conference was convened to review the available evidence and to provide recommendations about how to follow-up these patients. These recommendations were developed by our expert panel and do not necessarily reflect the policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Methods
Six acknowledged experts in pediatric CD were chosen to provide a thorough assessment of the data and to develop best practices in 6 topic areas: bone disease, endocrine problems, hematologic issues, liver issues, nutritional problems, and testing to monitor CD activity. The assignment of 1 panel member to each topic area was made by the organizer and moderator (Dr Snyder) based on that person’s recognized knowledge of the topic and was made in consultation with North American senior experts in pediatric gastroenterology who were not part of the panel. Each panel member researched and summarized their topic area. The panel met and thoroughly reviewed each topic before evaluating and voting on each best practice. In addition to their expertise, the panel members were chosen to provide a geographic representation of the major pediatric CD programs in the United States and Canada. The number of experts chosen was also influenced by logistic and financial considerations because the project was funded by a nonrestricted grant from a nonprofit organization, the Celiac Disease Program of Children’s National Health System. The meeting was convened at Children’s National Health Center in Washington, DC, on January 25 and 26, 2013. The goal was to provide a critical review of the management of pediatric CD in North America and to develop a practical set of best practices for the Children's National Health System Celiac Program by using evidence-based data and expert opinion.
Literature Search and Grading the Articles for Quality of Evidence
Each expert completed a thorough literature search combining the term “celiac disease” with multiple terms specific to their section using accessible databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, BioSciences Information Services Previews, EBM Reviews, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus. The search included publications from 1973 to January 2013 and included publications of all types that presented or reviewed data on CD in patients younger than 20 years old. Publications were assessed by using criteria including study design, sample size, data analysis, synthesis of results, potential bias, and limitations.
The search identified over 600 unique publications. Of these 600 articles, 172 were included after exclusion of publications that did not present relevant evidence, that did not present sufficient evidence for pediatric patients, or were commentaries, case reports, abstracts, or nonsystematic reviews. Reviews of the literature were used to find additional primary research references and to provide summaries of data, references for pathophysiology, and to point our team to more extensive background reading. Reviews were also used to support introductory statements. The review articles and guidelines are identified in the References. Only original clinical studies were used to develop the “Best Practice” management questions.
Voting on Best Practice Statements and Grading the Statements for Quality of Evidence
Details about mechanism for anonymous voting, assessment of quality of data, use of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system to evaluate the available evidence, and strength of recommendation are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 1.13
Best Practices
A. Bone Health
Background
CD can affect the bone health of children in several ways with a variety of signs and symptoms including bone pain, rickets, tetany, osteomalacia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, fractures associated with minimal trauma, or growth failure with or without symptoms of malabsorption.14–16 With the exception of osteopenia or osteoporosis identified by the evaluation of bone mineral density, these are now rarely the presenting signs and symptoms of CD in children because of the widespread use of CD serological testing to assist in diagnosis.14–16 Initiation of a GFD rapidly restores bone mass to normal levels in almost all children and some adolescents.17–27 Instruction on age-appropriate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and the need for exercise to promote bone health should be provided during nutritional counseling at the time of diagnosis.23,28,29
Detailed information on the mechanisms of bone injury, bone mineral density, fracture risk, effect of the GFD, and calcium and vitamin D intake are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2A.14–49
Best Practice 1
Should routine screening for bone health by using calcium, PO4, alkaline phosphatase, ± parathyroid hormone (excluding vitamin D) be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: C
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS: DISAGREE
Agree, 2 (29%). 2A
Disagree, 5 (71%). 1D-, 3D, 1D+
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
With the advent of serological testing, children now present with a variety of milder symptoms and associated conditions.1,5,6 Abnormalities of the above tests most often occur with presentations that are associated with severe malabsorption, prolonged delay in diagnosis, or clinical presentations suggestive of bone disease including bone pain, rickets, osteomalacia, tetany, or fractures caused by minimal trauma.21–28,30,33–35 With these presentations, screening with the tests listed above should be conducted. If abnormalities are detected, patients should be treated with dietary calcium and vitamin D including supplements if necessary.26–30 Annual serial follow-up should be conducted until results normalize.28,33,48
Best Practice 2
Should screening for vitamin D status be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: C
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: LOW
VOTING: CONSENSUS: AGREE
Agree, 5 (71%). 1A+, 3A, 1A-
Disagree, 2 (29%). 2D
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
Small case-control studies exist that differ in patient age, geographic location, time of year of measurement, clinical presentation, and results. Some demonstrate vitamin D deficiency.18,25,27,30,35 Furthermore, many children and adolescents do not receive adequate dietary calcium or vitamin D.26,28–30 Additional data on vitamin D status for children and adolescents with CD from multiple geographic areas across North America that control for sunlight exposure are needed to further define which children require vitamin D testing.
Best Practice 3
Should screening using imaging studies (bone density) evaluating bone health be done routinely for all children and adolescents with CD when they are seen at 1-year follow-up?
QUALITY OF DATA: C
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS: DISAGREE
Agree, 1 (14%). 1A+
Disagree, 6 (86%). 5D-, 1D+
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
When CD is diagnosed at a young age with a short duration of symptoms, bone density recovers rapidly and completely to normal values for age and size.17–21,23–27 Routine follow-up bone density testing is not required or cost-effective. More data about bone density recovery in adolescents with various presentations of CD on a strict GFD are required. Abnormalities of bone density are likely to occur with presentations that are associated with severe malabsorption, prolonged delay in diagnosis, or clinical presentations suggestive of bone disease, including bone pain, rickets, osteomalacia, tetany, or fractures caused by minimal trauma. With these presentations, bone mineral density is the test of choice to obtain at diagnosis. If abnormalities are detected, serial follow-up every 1 to 2 years should be conducted until results normalize.28,33,48 This is especially true for adolescents where recovery may be slower and dietary compliance may be more problematic.
Best Practice 4
Should instructions on age-appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D, including information on the impact of geographic region and season of the year, be provided during the initial GFD counseling?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS: AGREE
Agree, 7. 4A+, 2A, 1A-
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
Data from multiple geographic regions demonstrate that children and adolescents consume diets deficient in vitamin D and calcium.26,28,29,35,36 Additional studies have revealed that recovery of bone mineral density will occur in children if a GFD with adequate nutrition is provided.17–21,23–27 In some geographic areas, this can be accomplished by GFD alone. However, in other areas, vitamin D supplementation will likely be required.23,28,29
Best Practice 5
Should screening using imaging studies (bone density) to evaluate bone health be done routinely for selected patients with CD who do not adhere to a GFD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS: AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 4A+, 3A
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
Maximum bone density is accrued in adolescence, late teens, and early 20s, the ages when adherence to a GFD is most difficult.25,28,48 At these ages, symptoms may not develop with poor dietary control and a reduction in bone density may occur that increases fracture risk and can result in early onset osteoporosis. If abnormalities in bone mineral density are identified, caregivers should provide an explanation of increased risk of bone disease, as well as dietary counseling, which includes instructions about calcium and vitamin D intake and supplementation.
B. Hematologic Problems
Background
CD has been associated with a variety of hematologic disorders, of which anemia is by far the most common. In fact, anemia may be the only clinical abnormality identified in many patients and can be the presenting feature of CD, especially in older children and adults.50–54 Anemia in children with CD can be the end result of several different, and sometimes interrelated causes; however, the single most common type of anemia is iron deficiency.50
Detailed information on anemia, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, platelet abnormalities, thromboembolic problems, coagulation abnormalities, immunoglobulin (Ig)A deficiency, and splenic dysfunction are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2B.50–72
Best Practice 6
Should screening for anemia using a combination of tests including a complete blood cell (CBC) count (CBC plus evaluation of mean cell volume), ferritin, iron, and total iron-binding capacity be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: B+
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS: AGREE
Agree, 7. 2A+, 3A, 2A-
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
There is abundant evidence in the literature about the prevalence of anemia, especially iron-deficient, in children with CD at the time of diagnosis.50–53,58 This group unanimously supports the measurement of “iron studies” as reported above as an appropriate screening tool, in light of the possible need for replacement.
Best Practice 7
Should a CBC count be obtained routinely for all children undergoing follow-up evaluation for CD?
QUALITY OF DATA: C+
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: LOW
VOTING: CONSENSUS: AGREE
Agree, 6 (86%). 1A+, 3A, 2A-
Disagree, 1 (14%). 1D+
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
Although a consensus was reached by our group on the question, the evidence to support this position comes from studies of small populations, comprising a variety of ages and clinical presentations.50–53
Best Practice 8
Should screening for folate deficiency be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: C
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: VERY LOW
VOTING: CONSENSUS DISAGREE
Agree, 2 (29%). 2A-
Disagree, 5 (71%). 1D+, 1D, 3D-
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
C. Endocrine-associated Disorders in CD
Background
Endocrine disorders frequently cooccur with CD, primarily due to their shared HLA predisposition, but the association is also affected by shared non-HLA variants.73 Autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are the most common autoimmune diseases that occur with CD but Addison disease, parathyroid disorders, and growth hormone deficiency have also been reported74–76; however, they are much less common.
The frequency at which CD is diagnosed in individuals with type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disorders ranges from 3% to 12% for type 1 diabetes and up to 7% for autoimmune thyroid diseases; this has led expert panels from the 2 largest pediatric gastroenterology societies, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), to recommend that CD be routinely screened for in patients with these disorders.5,6 However, the reverse recommendation has not been made because there are insufficient data to support screening for associated endocrine disorders in individuals with an existing diagnosis of CD.
Nine sets of recent reviews and guidelines, all published since 2005, mention screening for CD in individuals with endocrine disorders such as T1DM and thyroid disease.3–6,77–81 Three also mention screening in individuals with Addison disease.3,78,80 All of these guidelines also recommended additional screening for CD for children with short stature or delayed puberty.
Detailed information on autoimmune thyroid disease and T1DM are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2C.73–80,82–98
Best Practice 9
Should individuals with CD be screened for T1DM or prediabetes with tests including islet autoantibodies?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS DISAGREE
Agree, 0
Disagree, 7 (100%). 5 D+, 2D
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
Insufficient data exist to establish the risk of diabetes in this population. Furthermore, because no preventative strategies exist, it is not recommended to screen for a prediabetic state outside of the research setting.95–98
Best Practice 10
Given the slightly increased risk of diabetes in individuals with CD, should counseling for signs and symptoms of diabetes be recommended?
QUALITY OF DATA: D
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: LOW
VOTING: MAJORITY AGREE
Agree, 4 (57%). 2A+, 2A
Disagree, 3 (43%). 3D
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
The recommendation was based on panel’s judgment of the limited risk of counseling. However, evidence for the effectiveness of counseling on preventing morbidity or mortality is not available.
Best Practice 11
Should thyroid disease be screened at the time of diagnosis in children with CD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 4A+, 3A
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
A significantly elevated overall risk of autoimmune thyroid disease, especially Hashimoto’s disease, exists in those with CD.84–88,90 Screening with thyrotropin is recommended in those with type 1 diabetes, and should be used also in CD.80 The serum thyrotropin assay is accurate and widely available to screen for all common forms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In addition, effective therapies for thyroid disease are available.
Best Practice 12
Should thyroid disease be screened for at the time of follow-up evaluation for children with CD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 6 (86%). 1A+, 4A, 1A-
Disagree, 1 (14%). 1D-
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: INTERMEDIATE
Comment
Although thyroid disease has been determined to be a coexisting condition, the actual prevalence of thyroid disease in established CD has not been determined.84–88
Best Practice 13
Should screening for thyroid disease be performed in children with CD by using antithyroid antibodies?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS DISAGREE
Agree, 0
Disagree, 7 (100%). 5D+, 1D, 1D-
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
D. The Liver and CD
Background
The liver can be 1 of the major sites for extraintestinal manifestations of CD. A spectrum of liver abnormalities has been described, ranging from elevated aminotransferases (cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia) to celiac hepatitis to autoimmune liver disease.99–109 Detailed information on celiac hepatitis and response to hepatitis B vaccine are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2D.99–120
Best Practice 14
Should screening for liver disease using tests including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: A
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 5 (71%). 2A+, 1A, 2A-
Disagree, 2 (29%). 1D-, 1D
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: MODERATE
Comment
Many studies identify celiac hepatitis as a possible presenting sign of CD.99–109 The hepatitis usually resolves with a GFD.
Best Practice 15
Should routine screening for hepatitis B immunization status be done for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 6 (86%). 2A, 4A-
Disagree, 1 (14%). 1D
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: MODERATE
E. Nutritional Problems and CD
Background
Nutritional problems in CD can occur as a result of intestinal inflammation from the disease process itself and as a consequence of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) with the GFD. It is important to consider this dynamic situation, as nutritional issues at the time of diagnosis may change after implementation of the GFD. Detailed information on anthropometric impact, micronutrient impact, and medical nutrition therapy are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2E.121–155
Best Practice 16
Should assessment of height, weight, and BMI or weight for height ratio in children younger than 3 years old be done routinely for all children being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis and follow-up?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 7A+
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
The assessment of anthropometric parameters is important in all children, but particularly important in children with CD who often have a suboptimal nutritional status at the time of diagnosis.121,123,126–129,131,132 Monitoring response in growth on the GFD is essential to assure normal growth and development.
Best Practice 17
Should all children being evaluated and treated for CD have access to an experienced dietitian who is knowledgeable about CD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 7A+
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
The only treatment of CD is MNT with a strict GFD. Therefore, referral to an experienced registered dietitian, knowledgeable about CD, is the optimal way to provide thorough nutritional assessment and education related to the GFD.149,151,155
Best Practice 18
Should screening for zinc and other trace elements (besides iron) be routinely obtained for all patients being evaluated for CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: C
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS DISAGREE
Agree, 0
Disagree, 7 (100%). 3D-, 1D, 3D+
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
The evidence to support or refute the practice of routine screening for Zn and trace elements is weak, as it comes from studies of small populations, comprising a variety of ages and clinical presentations.139–142 More research is needed.
Best Practice 19
Should multivitamin supplementation be offered routinely to all children with CD at the time of diagnosis?
QUALITY OF DATA: D
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 1A+, 2A, 4A-
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: WEAK
Comment
Although a consensus was reached by our group on the basis of expert opinion and practice, there are no well-designed studies evaluating the clinical benefit of providing a gluten-free multivitamin to children newly diagnosed with CD.155
F. Testing and Monitoring
Diagnostic Tests and Monitoring
Several tests are used to diagnose and monitor CD, including serologic tests, genetic testing, and histology.1–6 The current diagnostic algorithm for CD includes initial screening serological tests, followed by a confirmatory small intestinal biopsy revealing the autoimmune insult typical of CD in children and adults.3–6 The relative merits of these tests in various situations, including detailed information on initial diagnosis: serology, serology in IgA deficient patients, histology, use of HLA testing, monitoring successful compliance to the GFD, and current guidelines are included in the Supplemental Information, Part 2F.156–172
Best Practice 20
Should quantitative IgA and IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody be obtained routinely as the initial screening tests for all children being evaluated for CD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 7A+
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
Most of the studies published, including population studies and studies specifically focused at comparing commercially available assays, report extremely high specificity.156–160 However, well-designed studies to assess sensitivity have not been performed. These studies should be based on the use of endoscopy and histologic analysis as primary standard to validate the sensitivity of these tests.
Best Practice 21
Should IgA anti-tTG antibody be obtained for all children diagnosed with CD at periodic intervals after diagnosis to help monitor compliance with the GFD?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 7 (100%). 7A+
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
There have been several reports with variable data revealing that tTG IgA antibody titers tend to decrease or completely return within normal limits after 6 to 12 months after the implementation of a GFD.171,172 However, while tTG IgA ELISA is a validated assay for the diagnosis of CD, this assay has not been validated for monitoring.164
Best Practice 22
Should the use of the antiendomysial antibody be limited to patients with comorbidities that increase the chance of false-positive tTG antibodies?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 6 (100%). 1A+, 1A, 4A-
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
There are several reports in the literature revealing that low tTG IgA titers are often detected in patients affected by autoimmune diseases other than CD, including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune liver disease.160,163
Best Practice 23
A negative serologic evaluation cannot rule out CD.
QUALITY OF DATA: A
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: HIGH
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 6 (100%). 5A+, 1A
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
There is strong evidence in the literature that ∼10% of celiac cases can test falsely negative to the tTG IgA test.160
Best Practice 24
Should HLA typing be considered in the evaluation of children at risk for CD who have negative serology?
QUALITY OF DATA: B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 5 (83%). 3A+, 2A
Disagree, 1 (17%). 1D-
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Comment
Several studies suggested that screening for HLA DQ2/8 in at-risk children, who test negative for tTG IgA antibodies, can be cost-effective in deciding whether to continue (HLA compatible) or not continue (HLA not compatible) monitoring for CD in these children over time.169,170
Best Practice 25
Should the use of HLA typing be considered for use in patients regarded as diagnostic dilemmas, including children who have already been placed on a GFD?
QUALITY OF DATA: LEVEL B
GRADE OF EVIDENCE: MODERATE
VOTING: CONSENSUS AGREE
Agree, 6 (100%). 4A+, 2A-
Disagree, 0
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: STRONG
Summary
Serious concerns have been raised about the lack of effective long-term management programs to optimize the treatment of CD and the diagnosis and management of associated disease states.7,8 Recent reports indicate that optimal follow-up care is not being provided.7,8 In an attempt to provide thoughtful and effective best practices for managing CD and associated disorders in children, a group of experts in the field were convened to critically review and discuss the available data to provide an evidenced-based approach to optimal care. When the quality of evidence was not sufficient, expert opinion was used.
The thorough review of the data in these 6 categories of care demonstrated that the quality of the data available is insufficient to provide unequivocal best practices in most areas. However, using the available data and the clinical experience of the panel, we have attempted to provide a practical framework and useful approach to the management of children with CD. The potential usefulness of these best practices is underscored by the fact that consensus, measured by anonymous voting, was reached by the panel for 24 of the 25 questions and that unanimous agreement was found for 15 of the questions. These recommendations, which were developed by our expert panel, do not necessarily reflect the policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. We hope that these best practices may be useful to the pediatric gastroenterology and larger general pediatric communities.
A condensed summary of the best practices is found in Table 1.
Summary of Consensus Best Practices
Acknowledgments
John Snyder, MD, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC, passed away suddenly in July, 2016 after sustaining a critical injury in a biking accident while traveling in France.
Dr Snyder was board certified in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology and nationally recognized for his contributions to GI research in areas like H. pylori/ peptic ulcer disease and celiac disease. He developed and led Children’s pre-eminent multidisciplinary pediatric Celiac Disease program and served as Professor of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr Snyder also worked extensively in the fields of infant nutrition and international child health. He was part of a team that set the international research priorities to reduce global mortality from childhood diarrhea and a respected international consultant on the use of culturally acceptable, simple, and inexpensive foods and fluids to treat diarrhea and malnutrition in community settings. He published extensively, and was a contributing author to several important textbooks in his field. His passionate advocacy for children was also realized in his work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
Dr Snyder’s legacy of clinical and research expertise, and his commitment to his patients and to teaching the next generation will continue to inspire his colleagues for many years to come.
The authors thank Dr Sona Long for her help in researching and evaluating the information in the section on hematology.
Footnotes
- Accepted June 23, 2016.
- Address correspondence to J. Decker Butzner, MD FRCPC, Paediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, Cananda, T3B 6A8. E-mail: butzner{at}ucalgary.ca
The guidelines/recommendations in this article are not American Academy of Pediatrics policy, and publication herein does not imply endorsement.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
FUNDING: Supported by an unrestricted grant from the Children’s National Health System’s Celiac Disease Program.
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Dr Fasano receives payment for lectures including service on speakers bureaus for Mead Johnson Nutrition, has stock/stock options with Alba Therapeutics, and is a consultant for Pfizer; the other authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
COMPANION PAPER: A companion to this article can be found online at www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2016-1311.
References
- Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
