Celiac disease (CD) has a high prevalence but remains largely underdiagnosed. Although extensive studies have confirmed that children with CD do not have an increased risk of severe COVID-19, public health regulations associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may have exacerbated this problem. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the number of new-onset CD cases. Additionally, the role of SARS-CoV-2 in autoimmune diseases and its influence on clinical practice in pediatric gastroenterology were briefly reviewed. We described the data from the hospital electronic registry of new-onset CD, during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2 years before. A total of 423 children were diagnosed with CD between March 2018 and February 2022: 228 in the 2-year pre-COVID-19 period and 195 during the pandemic. The number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was 14.5% lower than in the previous years. The quarterly comparison of CD diagnoses showed a reduction in all quarters. A reduction in diagnoses during the lockdown and in the following months was evident and not compensated thereafter. This is the first study to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the diagnosis of CD in children. Further studies are necessary to improve the system of biopsy-sparing diagnosis and to evaluate the effect of the diagnostic delay. Special attention should be given to the implementation of telemedicine services.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic gluten-related disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations, including damage to cutaneous and connective tissue. We report a rare case of chronic severe dermatitis involving connective tissue and cutaneous vascular vessels as the main clinical presentation of undiagnosed seronegative gluten disorder. A gluten-free diet dramatically improved the intestinal and cutaneous clinical damage in the patient. Pitfalls and the steps of differential diagnosis are described. We also review the literature regarding studies of CD and connective tissue diseases to extend the knowledge of these rare associations. We propose a practical diagnostic approach in suspected CD in autoimmune cutaneous disorders.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is the most common multisystemic autoimmune disorder affecting the pediatric population. However, little data is available regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination coverage in pediatric patients with CD. This study aims to evaluate the adherence to national recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children and adolescents with CD and its variation over time. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical charts and electronic registry records of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of patients aged 0–19 years diagnosed with CD in a tertiary center. The vaccination coverage was evaluated according to age groups (young children, children, and adolescents), considering the patients’ eligibility for vaccination at different times. Results: Among the 172 patients enrolled, 44.8% received at least one dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, showing no significant differences compared to the Italian population of similar age. Vaccination coverage demonstrated a progressive reduction after an initial peak (up to 65.5% in December 2021) concomitant with a gradual extension of vaccinable eligibility and falling SARS-CoV-2 infections. Histological diagnosis and the presence of other associated autoimmune diseases were associated with higher levels of adherence to vaccination. Conclusions: Adherence to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in young Italian children with CD was very low, while it was better in adolescents and patients with other associated autoimmune diseases. Vaccine hesitancy remains a concern, particularly among those diagnosed using the biopsy-sparing approach. Hesitancy increased during the pandemic period, suggesting the need for ongoing efforts to improve adherence to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination recommendations.

Background: Survivors of childhood brain cancer survivors (CBCS) have a higher risk of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular mortality. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy may help reduce endothelial damage and the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to assess biochemical and biophysical endothelial function in CBCS with GH deficiency (GHD). Methods: CBCS who were at least two years post-treatment underwent clinical evaluation, including anthropometric measurements and metabolic assessments (adiponectin, blood clotting, and lipid profile). Endothelial function was evaluated using the estimation of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) measured by the EndoPAT 2000. A value < 1.5 was considered pathologic. CBCS without GHD served as the control group. Results: The study included 60 participants: 12 controls (mean age 14 ± 4.7 years) and 48 CBCS with GHD (mean age 16.6 ± 4.9 years), 8 of whom were not receiving rhGH therapy. The cohort showed a high prevalence of abnormal RHI values. Although there were no significant differences in weight or body mass index between groups, those with GHD, especially those not on rhGH therapy, had a higher prevalence of an RHI < 1.5, lower pathological adiponectin levels and a disrupted lipid profile. Conclusions: CBCS exhibited altered RHI values consistent with early endothelial biophysical dysfunction. Among patients with GHD, this impairment was further associated with an adverse lipid profile and signs of adipose tissue dysfunction. Recombinant growth hormone replacement therapy may contribute to a partial improvement in biochemical indicators of endothelial function.