Assessment of sexual maturity in a cohort of adolescents with celiac disease on gluten-free diet

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun;31(3):130-2. doi: 10.1007/s12664-012-0202-4. Epub 2012 Jun 19.

Abstract

Delayed sexual maturation is a known complication of celiac disease (CD). There is paucity of data regarding the effect of gluten-free diet (GFD) on sexual maturity in patients with CD in India. We did a cross-sectional observational study to assess the sexual maturity in 30 adolescents with CD on GFD for at least 1 year, and evaluated factors which affect their sexual maturity. Sexual maturation was assessed using Tanner's stages of sexual development. All adolescents had completed 2 years of GFD and 53 % had completed 4 years of GFD. Sexual maturation was delayed in 30 %. Age at initiation of GFD was associated with attaining appropriate sexual maturity (p = 0.048). We conclude that delayed sexual maturation is not uncommon in adolescents with CD and may be corrected by early diagnosis and initiation of GFD.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Celiac Disease / diet therapy
  • Celiac Disease / physiopathology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Gluten-Free*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexual Maturation / physiology*