Demographic Features and High Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Khoram Abad, Lorestan

Background: Many patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have undiagnosed celiac disease (CD). Diagnosis of CD is important because early diagnosis can prevent serious complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic features and prevalence of CD in patients with IBS in Khoram Abad, Lorestan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 369 patients with IBS who were diagnosed based on Rome III criteria and attended to gastrointestinal clinic of Shohada-y-Ashayer Hospital in KhorramAbad from June 2015 until March 2016. 31 patients did not accept to participate so were excluded from the study. Serological tests were performed and seropositive cases were underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test and Chi-square test through SPSS software version 22. Results: The mean age of the patients with CD was 31±12 years and most of them (72.7%) were women. Most of CDs were diarrheal dominant IBS (77.3%). Among 338 patients who completed the study, 25 patients (7.4%) were seropositive, and CD was confirmed in 22 of them (6.5%) according to the Marsh classification. Marsh I was reported in seven cases, Marsh II in four, and Marsh III in 11 cases. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of CD (6.5%) in patients with IBS, the overlap of the symptoms, as well as the importance of timely diagnosis of CD, it is suggested to screen CD in patients with IBS.