Increased red cell distribution width and coeliac disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite availability of sensitive screening tests, coeliac disease is still underdiagnosed. To determine which haematochemical abnormalities might be more predictive of this condition, we reviewed the clinical records of our series of adult patients affected by coeliac disease. METHODS: Six haematochemical parameters (haemoglobin, red cell distribution width, serum levels of iron, albumin, calcium and potassium) were evaluated in 126 consecutive adult untreated coeliac patients diagnosed since 1990. RESULTS: Elevated red cell distribution width was the most frequent haematochemical abnormality, being present in 57.9% of our patients (Chi square analysis, p<0.01 versus other laboratory changes). CONCLUSION: The increase of red cell distribution width was more common than iron-deficiency anaemia, a well-known indicator of coeliac disease. Elevated red cell distribution width can thus be considered a new predictor of coeliac disease and in the presence of this a search should be made for antiendomysial antibodies.