Published online May 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i19.5813
Peer-review started: January 24, 2015
First decision: February 10, 2015
Revised: February 27, 2015
Accepted: April 17, 2015
Article in press: April 17, 2015
Published online: May 21, 2015
Processing time: 118 Days and 0.3 Hours
Celiac disease (CD) is an intestinal inflammatory disease that manifests in genetically susceptible individuals when exposed to dietary gluten. It is a common chronic disorder, with a prevalence of 1% in Europe and North America. Although the disease primarily affects the gut, the clinical spectrum of CD is remarkably varied, and the disease can affect many extraintestinal organs and systems, including the liver. The hepatic dysfunction presenting in CD ranges from asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations or nonspecific reactive hepatitis (cryptogenic liver disorders), to chronic liver disease. In this article, we review the clinical presentations and possible mechanisms of CD-related liver injury to identify strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders in childhood.
Core tip: Celiac disease (CD) is increasingly reported in children who are symptomless or present atypical symptoms and signs. Liver abnormalities are common extraintestinal manifestations in patients with CD and range from mild hepatic injury to severe liver disease. Awareness of this may help clinicians to improve strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders in childhood.