Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether celiac disease (CD) could be the cause of chronic diarrhea in Chinese patients.
Patients and methods: During the period of January 2005 to December 2008, patients with chronic diarrhea in pediatric hospitals from 4 major cities (Shanghai, Wuhan, Jinan, and Chengdu) in China were included in the study. The clinical history, physical findings, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.
Results: Among 199 patients with chronic diarrhea, 118 were enrolled in the study. Fourteen (11.9%) were diagnosed as being affected by CD.
Conclusions: The 14 patients are the first reported cases of CD in Chinese patients with chronic diarrhea.