PULSE GROWTH DURING CATCH UP IN COLEIAC DISEASE

Abstract

Coeliac children exhibit a considerable increase in growth velocity during the remission phase.

Objective of the research is to analyse the dynamics of catch up growth on gluten-free diet.

Methods. Height and weight of 98 Coeliac children, diagnosed according to the 1970 ESPGAN protocol, have been obtained at monthly inervals on gluten free diet by quality controlled procedures. Growth velocities have been computed between monthly measures.

Results. When individual's growth velocities are computed at 3-6 months distance between measurements, most cases show a single peak of height and weight velocities When velocities are computed at monthly intervals each case exhibits at least 2 peaks in the first year of gluten free diet. ‘Mean’ velocity curves have been obtained bty measuring 8 parameters from 98 individual curves. For height as well as for weight the pattern shows a first peak after 63 days of diet and a second peak after 200-210 days of diet.

Conclusions. Catch up growth in treated coeliac children is not a continuous and linear process, but it occurs by a pattern of Pulse Growth, with an alternation of peaks and nadirs. Pulse growth is not specific of coeliac disease, but probably common to several chronic conditions in childhood. The results obtained in coeliac cases give a first concrete evidence of pulse growth in weight as well as in height in children.

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