Affiliation:
1. Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
2. Department of Medicine Lady Harding Medical College New Delhi India
3. Department of Medicine Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi India
4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
Abstract
AbstractBackground and AimAbnormalities in the reproductive functions are often ignored while evaluating a patient with celiac disease (CeD). We evaluated the entire reproductive functions in female patients with CeD.MethodsIn a case control study between 2020 and 2021 using detailed questionnaire, we evaluated reproductive functions (age at menarche, menstrual pattern, fertility, pregnancy outcome and menopause) in biopsy‐proven female patients with CeD of age >10 years. The questionnaire was administered either in person or telephonically. Age‐matched healthy female controls (twice the number) were also recruited.ResultsOf 1086 CeD patients, 470 were females and 288 were included. As compared with controls (n = 586), females with CeD had higher age at menarche (14.6 ± 2.0 vs 13.6 ± 1.5 years; P = 0.001), delayed menarche (30.8% vs 11.4%; P = 0.001), abnormal menstrual pattern (39.7% vs 25.8%; P < 0.001), involuntary delay in conception at > 1 year (33.8% vs 11.8%; P = 0.01), current infertility rate (10.5% vs 5.2%;P = 0.028), and poorer overall pregnancy outcomes (abortion [23.5% vs 12.8%; P = 0.001], pre‐term birth [16.3% vs 3.7%; P = 0.001]).ConclusionsEither one or more aspect of reproductive functions and pregnancy outcome is affected adversely in three‐fourth female patients with CeD.