Copper deficiency in infants with active celiac disease.
Celiac disease was diagnosed in two unrelated infants aged 7 and 7.5 months with severe malnutrition. They showed typical clinical, biological, and histological signs of the disease. Moreover, accompanying copper deficiency was suggested by severe hypocupremia and persistent neutropenia; bone radiographs were also compatible with this diagnosis. Rapid and complete correction of these anomalies could only be obtained after addition of oral copper sulfate to the gluten-free diet. Mechanisms possibly involved in the development of copper deficiency in young infants with celiac disease are: chronic malabsorption; high copper needs in rapidly growing infants; and possibly increased biliary and digestive losses. It is therefore suggested that young children with severe celiac disease should be monitored for their copper status.
D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019327:Copper Sulfate; D005260:Female; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007408:Intestinal Absorption
D003300:Copper; D005983:Glutens; D019327:Copper Sulfate