Frequency of Low Birth Weight and Assessment of Anthropometric Parameters in Pediatric Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, leads to intestinal damage and malabsorption, significantly affecting growth and development in genetically predisposed individuals. This study aims to determine the frequency of low birth weight and anthropometric indices in children with celiac disease referred to clinics in Jiroft city, Iran, during 2023.

A cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was conducted involving 39 pediatric patients diagnosed with celiac disease. Data were collected using a structured checklist that included demographic variables, birth weight, and growth measurements. The study employed a census sampling method, and ethical approvals were secured. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.

The mean age of the participants was 8.1 ± 1.4 years, with 84.6% of the participants being girls. The findings revealed that 58.9% of children experienced weight growth disorders below the 5^th percentile, while 41% exhibited height growth disorders. Notably, 38.4% of the children had a birth weight of less than 2500 grams, all of whom were girls.

The results indicated a concerning prevalence of growth disorders among children with celiac disease, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and early diagnosis. The association between celiac disease and low birth weight suggests potential complications during pregnancy for affected mothers.

These findings highlight the importance of managing the nutritional status of affected children to prevent developmental issues.