The association of celiac disease with other autoimmune diseases in children

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with estimated prevalence of 1% in European and North American population. All four components of CD autoimmunity are well known, such as: genetics, autoantigen, autoantibodies and the environmental triggers. Besides gastrointestinal manifestations, celiac disease has a wide array of extraintestinal symptoms and clinical signs. This article briefly summarizes celiac disease pathophysiology and association of celiac disease with other autoimmune diseases in children. It puts emphasis on possible protective role of gluten-free diet for the development of other autoimmune diseases in patients with celiac disease.