Recurrent febrile infections and neutropenia in a child with silent celiac disease

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2010 Feb;49(2):146-9. doi: 10.1177/0009922809344426. Epub 2009 Sep 8.

Abstract

Background: Today it is known that celiac disease (CD) may be silent or present with atypical extraintestinal symptoms (silent/atypical CD).

Case report: The authors report the case of a 3-year-old child in whom the diagnosis of CD was made after several admissions to hospital for recurrent febrile infections and persistently moderate neutropenia. After the beginning of a gluten-free diet, we observed a remission of febrile infections and an increase in neutrophil count until it reached normal ranges.

Conclusions: We suggest that recurrent febrile infections and moderate neutropenia be included in the diagnostic workup for atypical/silent CD in the general population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Celiac Disease / therapy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fever / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neutropenia / diagnosis
  • Neutropenia / etiology*
  • Neutropenia / therapy
  • Recurrence