A Swedish study in February 2008 has established a link between the newly-diagnosed celiac and an increased risk of bacterial blood infections, or sepsis. The increased risk didn’t appear to apply to adolescents:
…individuals with CD were indeed at ncreased risk of bacterial blood infections. The highest risk estimates ere seen for pneumococcal infections (Pneumococcus is a specific microorganism responsible also for pneumonia and meningitis). Interestingly, the CD patients diagnosed in childhood were not at iincreased risk of subsequent sepsis compared with the controls.
Researchers listed three possible causes for the link, which applies to the newly-diagnosed only:
- Hyposplenism (a reduction of the spleen size and function often
found in CD at the time of diagnosis, that may induce a temporary
impairment of immunity - Increased mucosal permeability (a condition that is commonly
present in CD at diagnosis and may lead to translocation of bacteria
from the gut into the bloodstream) - An altered composition of the intestinal glycocalyx (a film of mucus
that is present on the gut and impedes bacterial translocation)
This reinforces the need for earlier diagnosis, as the increased risk only applies to celiac disease before beginning a gluten-free diet.
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