Potential Link Between Infant Acid-Suppressants and Celiac Disease: What Recent Research Shows

Recent research led by Tel Aviv University has explored the possible association between the use of acid-suppressive medications during infancy and the development of celiac disease autoimmunity. The study analyzed data from over 79,000 children, focusing on those who were prescribed medications like proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine) within their first six months. Results indicated that children who received these medications had a higher risk—specifically, a 52% increased hazard—of developing celiac disease autoimmunity later in childhood. Notably, the risk was more pronounced in children who used these drugs for longer than one month, with a 65% increased hazard.

However, the findings are complex. While the cohort study showed a significant association, a separate test-negative case-control analysis did not find a statistically significant link. This discrepancy underscores the challenges of interpreting observational data, as residual confounding factors might influence results.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine. Its prevalence has seen an uptick worldwide over recent decades. The underlying mechanisms suggest that medications disrupting protein digestion and altering gut microbiota could play a role in disease development.

This study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved retrospective analyses from Israeli health records, considering children born between 2005 and 2020 who remained enrolled in their healthcare system through age six months. The research highlights the importance of cautious medication use in infants and calls for further studies to confirm these findings and clarify the potential risks involved.

Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into early-life factors that may influence autoimmune disease risk, emphasizing the need for careful medical management during critical developmental periods.

Source: medicalxpress.com