Prevalence of celiac disease in Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016 Jun;31(6):1095-101. doi: 10.1111/jgh.13270.

Abstract

Background and aim: Celiac disease (CD) is emerging in Asia. While a few population-based studies from Asia have reported a prevalence of CD from 0.1% to 1.3%, the exact prevalence of CD in Asia is not known. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of CD in Asia.

Methods: On search of literature, we found 1213 articles, of which 18 articles were included. Diagnosis of CD was based on European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.

Results: Pooled sero-prevalence of CD in Asia was 1.6% in 47 873 individuals based on positive anti-tissue transglutaminase and/or anti-endomysial antibodies. Pooled prevalence of biopsy proven CD in Asia was 0.5% in 43 955 individuals. The prevalence of CD among women was higher than in men (0.5% vs 0.4%, P = 0.04). The pooled prevalence of CD was 0.3% in Iran, 0.5% in Turkey, 0.6% in India, and 0.7% in Israel. The pooled prevalence of CD was significantly higher in Israel and India as compared with that in Iran.

Conclusions: Celiac disease is not uncommon in Asia, and the sero-prevalence and prevalence of CD in Asia are 1.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of CD varies with gender and geographic location. There is a need for population-based prevalence studies in many Asian countries to properly estimate the burden of CD in Asia.

Keywords: China; India; anti-endomysial; gluten; screening; tissue transglutaminase.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biopsy
  • Celiac Disease / blood
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis
  • Celiac Disease / epidemiology*
  • Celiac Disease / immunology
  • Colon / immunology
  • Colon / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers