The Association of Celiac Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Hypothyroidism, Chronic Liver Disease, and Selective IgA Deficiency

Abstract

C-1 eliac disease is a disorder of the proximal small bowel characterized by an abnormal small intestinal mucosa and caused by permanent intolerance to gluten. Gluten is the protein found in wheat and some other cereals. Patients usually exhibit high serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antigliadin and IgA antiendomysial antibodies. There is a genetically determined susceptibility to celiac disease, and an association with certain human leukocyte antigens (HLA), especially DR3, DQw2, has been shown.' Celiac disease has been associated with HLA-linked autoimmune endocrinopathies such as type 1 diabetes mellitus2 and thyroid dysfunction.3 There is also an increased prevalence of selective IgA deficiency among celiac disease patients.4 We describe a 13-year-old female with diabetes type 1, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, chronic liver disease, and selective IgA deficiency.