To identify the median diagnostic delay of children with celiac disease (CD) and investigate underlying factors associated with this delay, emphasizing the significance of timely diagnosis.
Key Findings:
Median age of participants was 8.33 years, with a median diagnostic delay of 7.30 months.
91.5% of patients were diagnosed within three years; 68.7% of late diagnoses had classical CD symptoms, with 8.5% diagnosed after three years.
No significant differences in diagnostic delays based on clinical presentation or region.
Interpretation:
The study highlights a significant median diagnostic delay in pediatric CD, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and diagnostic protocols to prevent complications and enhance patient outcomes.
Limitations:
Exclusion of children with comorbid diseases may limit generalizability and impact the findings.
Potential biases in self-reported data from medical records.
Conclusion:
This is the first study to report on diagnostic delays in pediatric CD in Turkey, revealing a median delay that could lead to adverse health outcomes, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic practices.
