Celiac.com 02/16/2026 - This study is a literature review that looks at how celiac disease can affect the kidneys in children. Celiac disease is best known for damaging the small intestine after gluten exposure, but the authors emphasize that it can also involve other organs. They focus on kidney conditions that have been reported in pediatric patients, why these problems may happen, how they might show up clinically, and why early recognition and a strict gluten-free diet may help protect long-term kidney health.

Big Picture: Celiac Disease Is Not Only an Intestinal Condition

Celiac disease is an immune-driven condition in which gluten triggers inflammation and injury in the small intestine. Over time, this can lead to poor absorption of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. The review explains that celiac disease is increasingly recognized as a systemic illness, meaning that immune activity and nutritional consequences can affect multiple body systems. The kidneys are one of the organ systems that may be involved, but kidney screening practices in children with celiac disease are not standardized and may vary widely between clinicians and regions.

The authors highlight that kidney involvement may be underrecognized. Some children may have mild kidney changes at first, while others may develop more serious problems that can progress if not identified early. Because children’s bodies are still developing, the authors argue that early detection and consistent follow-up are particularly important.

How Celiac Disease Could Affect the Kidneys

The review describes several pathways that may link celiac disease to kidney injury.

First, immune activation plays a central role. In celiac disease, the immune system produces antibodies and inflammatory signals after gluten exposure. In some patients, immune complexes can circulate in the bloodstream and deposit in kidney structures that filter blood. When this happens, the kidney may become inflamed and leaky, leading to blood or protein in the urine and, in some cases, a gradual decline in kidney function.

Second, the authors discuss a “gut-kidney axis,” meaning that the intestine and kidneys may influence each other through immune and inflammatory pathways. Increased intestinal permeability, sometimes described as a “leaky gut,” may allow bacterial byproducts to enter the bloodstream. These substances can increase whole-body inflammation and may contribute to kidney injury in susceptible individuals.

Third, malabsorption and nutritional deficits may add strain on the kidneys. Low vitamin D and disturbed calcium and phosphate balance can contribute to abnormal calcium deposition in the kidneys or promote kidney stone formation. Low protein levels from intestinal protein loss can affect fluid balance and kidney filtration pressures. Mineral deficiencies can also trigger hormonal changes that indirectly affect kidney health.

Main Kidney Conditions Discussed in the Review

Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

The kidney condition most often described in connection with celiac disease is immunoglobulin A nephropathy. In this condition, deposits containing immunoglobulin A build up in parts of the kidney filters, triggering inflammation. The review explains that both celiac disease and immunoglobulin A nephropathy involve immune dysregulation at mucosal surfaces, such as the intestine, and may share overlapping immune pathways.

Clinically, immunoglobulin A nephropathy often presents with blood in the urine, protein in the urine, or both. Some children may have no obvious symptoms and may only be detected through urine testing. Over time, ongoing inflammation can lead to scarring within the kidneys and a decline in kidney function.

The authors note that some case reports describe improved urine findings or stabilized kidney function after starting a strict gluten-free diet. While this does not prove that diet alone prevents progression in all patients, it supports the idea that gluten-driven immune activity may contribute to kidney inflammation in certain children.

Other Immune-Mediated Kidney Disorders

The review also describes less common but important kidney conditions that have been reported alongside celiac disease. These include membranous glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and other disorders that can cause a nephrotic syndrome picture, meaning heavy protein loss in the urine that can lead to swelling and low blood protein levels.

For these conditions, the evidence is more limited, often coming from case reports rather than large pediatric studies. The authors emphasize that when a child has an immune-related kidney disease without an obvious cause, clinicians may consider evaluating for celiac disease, especially if there are gastrointestinal symptoms, growth concerns, anemia, or other signs of malabsorption.

Kidney Issues in Children With Type One Diabetes and Celiac Disease

A major overlap discussed in the review involves children who have both type one diabetes and celiac disease. These two immune-driven conditions can occur together more often than expected by chance. The authors describe evidence suggesting a higher rate of early kidney injury markers in children with both disorders compared with those who have diabetes alone, even when blood sugar control is similar.

The review proposes several possible contributors: longer disease duration, ongoing inflammation, and nutritional deficits. The authors suggest that identifying celiac disease early in children with type one diabetes, and supporting strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, may reduce cumulative kidney risk over time. However, they also emphasize that more pediatric-focused research is needed to clarify the strength of these associations and the best screening strategy.

Kidney Stones and Oxalate-Related Risk

The review discusses kidney stone risk in celiac disease, which is often linked to changes in how the intestine absorbs fat and minerals. When fat is poorly absorbed, it can bind calcium in the gut, leaving oxalate more available for absorption. Oxalate then leaves the body through urine and can contribute to calcium oxalate stone formation. In severe cases, oxalate can damage kidney tissue directly.

The authors note that adult data more consistently suggest higher stone risk in untreated celiac disease. Pediatric findings are more mixed, with some studies showing patterns that may not match adult risk profiles. Because the evidence in children is not uniform, the review suggests an individualized approach: clinicians may consider stone risk and urine studies based on symptoms, nutritional status, and other risk factors rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.

What the Authors Suggest for Monitoring and Early Detection

A key theme of the review is that kidney involvement may be missed unless clinicians look for it. The authors describe practical, noninvasive tests that can help detect early kidney problems in children with celiac disease. These include routine urine testing, serum creatinine blood testing, and estimated glomerular filtration rate calculations to gauge kidney function. They also highlight the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio as a sensitive early marker of kidney injury. Imaging, such as kidney ultrasound, may help identify structural problems or stones when indicated.

Importantly, the authors point out that screening recommendations remain inconsistent. Some approaches favor broader kidney monitoring, while others focus on higher-risk groups, such as children with type one diabetes or ongoing signs of active celiac disease. The review calls for more standardized pediatric protocols and stronger research evidence to guide clinicians.

Why a Strict Gluten-Free Diet Matters

The gluten-free diet is presented as the foundation of treatment for celiac disease and the only intervention that directly turns off the gluten-driven immune process. The authors emphasize that early diagnosis and strict dietary adherence may reduce systemic inflammation and improve nutritional absorption, both of which could help protect kidney health.

They also note that adherence can be challenging, particularly for adolescents, because of social pressures and daily practical barriers. Since potential kidney injury may develop silently, the review supports the idea that strong dietary support and follow-up can be valuable even when a child’s intestinal symptoms seem controlled.

Why This Review Could Be Meaningful to People With Celiac Disease

For families affected by celiac disease, this review reinforces an important message: celiac disease is not always limited to the digestive system. Kidney-related problems may occur in some children, sometimes without obvious symptoms at first. The study encourages awareness of warning signs such as blood or protein in the urine, swelling, persistent fatigue, or unexplained changes in growth and nutrition, while also emphasizing that simple tests can detect early kidney changes.

The review also highlights a hopeful point: early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet may reduce immune activation and improve nutrient absorption, which may help lower the risk of kidney complications. For people with celiac disease, especially children and their caregivers, the study supports the value of consistent medical follow-up that includes attention to kidney health, and it underscores the need for clearer pediatric guidelines so that potential kidney involvement is recognized and managed as early as possible.

Read more at: cureus.com

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Celiac.com 04/17/2025 - Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage. Over time, this immune response can affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys. This study explores whether early diagnosis of celiac disease and adherence to a gluten-free diet can reduce the risk of developing immune-mediated kidney diseases.

The Connection Between Celiac Disease and Kidney Health

Celiac disease is known to be associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disorders. However, its relationship with kidney diseases has not been thoroughly investigated. Immune-mediated renal diseases (IMRDs) are a group of kidney conditions caused by abnormal immune system activity. These diseases can lead to kidney damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

The study aimed to answer two key questions:

1. Does early diagnosis of celiac disease reduce the risk of developing IMRDs?
2. Does prolonged exposure to gluten increase the risk of these kidney conditions?

How the Study Was Conducted

Researchers used data from Swedish national health registers, which included medical records of over 3 million individuals. They identified people diagnosed with celiac disease and compared them to a control group without the condition. The study focused on individuals diagnosed with celiac disease before the age of 30 and analyzed their risk of developing IMRDs based on the age at which they were diagnosed.

The researchers divided participants into two groups:

• Those diagnosed with celiac disease before the age of 15.
• Those diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30.

They also examined whether the risk of IMRDs changed before and after a celiac disease diagnosis.

Key Findings

The study revealed several important insights:

1. Early Diagnosis Reduces Risk

Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease before the age of 15 had only a 12% increased risk of developing IMRDs compared to the general population. In contrast, those diagnosed between 16 and 30 years old had a 60% higher risk. This suggests that early diagnosis and treatment with a gluten-free diet may protect against kidney complications.

2. Risk Decreases After Diagnosis

For most of the IMRDs studied, the risk of developing these conditions decreased after a celiac disease diagnosis. This reduction was particularly notable for conditions like acute nephritic syndrome and rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome.

3. Gluten Exposure Plays a Role

The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to gluten may increase the risk of IMRDs. This aligns with the idea that untreated celiac disease can lead to systemic inflammation, which may affect the kidneys over time.

Why These Findings Matter for People with Celiac Disease

For individuals with celiac disease, this study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. By removing gluten from the diet, the immune system can calm down, reducing inflammation and potentially preventing complications in other organs, including the kidneys.

The study also underscores the need for awareness among healthcare providers. Symptoms of celiac disease can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. Early testing and intervention could significantly improve long-term health outcomes for patients.

Limitations of the Study

While the study provides valuable insights, it has some limitations:

• The researchers did not have data on whether participants strictly followed a gluten-free diet after diagnosis.
• Some kidney conditions may have been misclassified due to limitations in the diagnostic codes used in the health registers.
• The study population was primarily Swedish, so the findings may not apply to all populations.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the connection between celiac disease and kidney health, emphasizing the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment. For individuals with celiac disease, adhering to a gluten-free diet not only protects the intestines but may also safeguard the kidneys from immune-mediated damage.

For the broader celiac community, these findings are a call to action. Raising awareness about the condition, improving diagnostic tools, and ensuring access to gluten-free foods can help reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life for those living with celiac disease.

Read more at: bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com

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Celiac.com 11/04/2024 - Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the digestive system, but its influence extends far beyond the gut. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, an immune response is triggered that can damage the small intestine and lead to a wide array of health problems. Recent research has been exploring the potential connection between celiac disease and other organ systems, including the kidneys. This study focuses on whether there is a causal relationship between celiac disease and various forms of kidney disease, specifically through genetic predisposition. The researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization to assess this potential link, which helps reduce the chance of bias in observational studies.

Methods: Using Genetics to Explore Connections

To investigate the possible connection between celiac disease and kidney disease, the researchers used data from European populations. They applied a technique known as Mendelian randomization, which analyzes genetic data to identify potential causal relationships. This method reduces the impact of confounding factors and helps establish whether genetic susceptibility to celiac disease might lead to an increased risk of kidney-related issues. Specifically, they looked at 10 different kidney traits, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy (a kidney disorder involving deposits in the kidneys), chronic glomerulonephritis (a condition where the kidney’s filtering units become inflamed), and a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate, which measures kidney function.

Key Findings: Increased Risk of Kidney Disease

The study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition to celiac disease have a higher risk of developing certain kidney diseases. The data showed a significant increase in the risk of immunoglobulin A nephropathy, with a 44% higher likelihood for those genetically inclined toward celiac disease. Additionally, the study noted a 15% increased risk of chronic glomerulonephritis. A decline in kidney function, as measured by a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, was also observed.

Interestingly, the study also hinted at a potential connection between celiac disease and membranous nephropathy, a type of kidney disease where the immune system attacks the membranes in the kidneys. Although this relationship was not as strong as others, it remains a possibility that requires further investigation.

Mechanisms: How Celiac Disease Might Affect the Kidneys

One proposed mechanism for this connection is that in individuals with celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response that does not remain confined to the gut. Instead, this response may cross-react with other tissues, including the kidneys. Specifically, circulating antibodies, which are produced in response to gluten, may end up targeting kidney tissues. These immune reactions and the associated inflammation could damage the kidneys over time, leading to the development of kidney disease.

In particular, the study draws attention to the similarity between the damage caused to the intestinal barrier in celiac disease and the type of damage seen in certain kidney diseases, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Some research has shown that antibodies produced in response to gluten can be found in the kidneys of people with this condition, which strengthens the idea that the immune system’s misdirected response in celiac disease can have broader consequences for other organs.

Contradictory Evidence: No Clear Link with All Kidney Conditions

While the study highlights the increased risk for certain kidney conditions, it also shows that not all kidney diseases are strongly associated with celiac disease. For instance, the research found no significant correlation between celiac disease and diabetic nephropathy, a type of kidney damage commonly seen in people with diabetes. This suggests that the connection between celiac disease and kidney disease may depend on the specific type of kidney condition in question, and not all kidney issues share the same underlying mechanisms with celiac disease.

Implications for Individuals with Celiac Disease

For individuals diagnosed with celiac disease, the findings of this study underscore the importance of monitoring kidney health. Although kidney problems may not be a common or immediate concern for all celiac patients, there is enough evidence to suggest that people with this condition should be aware of their potential risk for certain types of kidney disease. Regular screenings, such as urine tests or blood tests to assess kidney function, could help detect any early signs of kidney issues before they progress.

Moreover, adopting a strict gluten-free diet remains crucial for people with celiac disease. While this study did not directly address the impact of a gluten-free diet on kidney health, other research has suggested that reducing gluten intake can have a positive effect on various health outcomes in celiac patients. Maintaining a gluten-free diet may help minimize the immune response that could contribute to kidney damage.

Valuable Insights into the Relationship Between Celiac Disease and Kidney Health

This study adds valuable insight into the relationship between celiac disease and kidney health. By using genetic data, the researchers were able to show that individuals with a genetic predisposition to celiac disease may be at a higher risk of developing certain kidney diseases, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis. While not all kidney diseases are linked to celiac disease, the findings highlight the need for continued research into how autoimmune responses triggered by gluten can affect other organs beyond the gut.

For those with celiac disease, understanding this potential link to kidney health could help improve long-term outcomes through early detection and prevention. If future research confirms these findings, routine kidney screenings could become an important part of managing celiac disease, ultimately reducing the risk of serious kidney complications.

Read more at: journals.lww.com

Celiac.com 10/19/2021 - There is some data to indicate a connection between celiac disease and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In celiac disease IgA-class tissue transglutaminase (tTG) autoantibodies are seen in the small bowel mucosa and extraintestinal organs, in addition to circulating in serum.

A team of researchers recently studied whether celiac disease-type IgA-tTG deposits occur in kidney biopsies in a case series of IgAN patients with or without celiac disease. 

The research team included Rakel Nurmi, Ilma Korponay-Szabó, Kaija Laurila, Heini Huhtala, Onni Niemelä, Jukka Mustonen, Satu Mäkelä, Katri Kaukinen, and Katri Lindfors.

They are variously affiliated with the Celiac Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University in Tampere, Finland; the Celiac Disease Center, Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute in Budapest, Hungary; the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Clinical Center, University of Debrecen in Debrecen, Hungary; the Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University in Tampere, Finland; the Medical Research Unit, Seinäjoki Central Hospital in Seinäjoki, Finland; and the Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital in Tampere, Finland

The team looked at nine IgAN patients, four of whom had celiac disease. The team measured serum tTG autoantibodies at the time of the diagnostic kidney biopsy, and looked at 
colocalization of IgA and tTG in the frozen kidney biopsies. 

The results showed IgA-tTG deposits in the kidneys of three IgAN patients with celiac disease though two patients had been diagnosed with celiac disease years later. 

They fund no deposits in a known celiac disease patient who was following a gluten-free diet. Of the five non-celiac IgAN patients, three showed IgA-tTG deposits in their kidneys. 

From their small study, the team concludes that tTG-targeted IgA deposits can be found in the kidney biopsies of gluten-consuming IgAN patients, but they likely won't be much help in spotting celiac disease, due to limited specificity.

Read more in Nutrients

Celiac.com 11/21/2019 - Researchers know that zonulin increases gut permeability after exposure to gliadin in children with celiac disease. It's also known that kids with Nephrotic Syndrome have elevated plasma zonulin levels. 

That knowledge, along with the fact that protease activated receptor-2, which mediates zonulin effect in enterocytes, is present on podocytes, has led some researchers to wonder if gluten-induced elevations in zonulin might affect glomerular permeability and mediate proteinuria in children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

A team of researchers recently set out to see if a gluten-free diet was helpful in controlling cases of difficult-to-manage Nephrotic Syndrome in children. The research team included Howard Trachtman, Laura Jane Pehrson, Suzanne M Vento, Laura Malaga-Dieguez, Debbie S Gipson, Katherine MacRae Dell, Tarak Srivastava, Kevin V Lemley, Frederick J Kaskel, Kevin EC Meyers, and Christian Faul. 

For their multi-center, open-label trial, the team tested the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet in children with steroid-responsive, difficult-to-manage Nephrotic Syndrome over a 6 month period. 

They defined a positive response as any reduction of 50% or greater in relapse rate, compared with the prior 6 months, or discontinuation of at least one immunosuppressive drug from the treatment regimen.

They gathered data that included age, gender, race/ethnicity, serum creatinine, proteinuria, histopathology, and treatment method.  Serum was collected prior to and at completion of the Treatment Period. They conducted blood tests both before and after the six month period to determine the effect on the glomerular cytoskeleton in vitro. Data are provided as mean±SD.

The team evaluated eight girls and six boys, for a total of 14 children, under 12.4 years of age, with baseline serum creatinine levels of 0.46±0.12 mg/dl, and Up/c 0.45±0.49 (mg:mg). The group included 11 Whites, 2 Hispanics/Latinos, 1 Black, and 3 other racial groups. 

The team found 10 cases of MCD, and four cases FSGS in 4 cases. After six months of treatment, four participants had a positive response (two had a reduced relapse rate and two had a reduced medication burden), 5 showed no benefit, of whom 2 withdrew before 6 months, while 3 patients had not yet completed the 6-month Treatment Period, and 1 child was lost to follow-up. 

One child had no change in relapse rate, but showed a quicker response to corticosteroids while following a gluten-free diet. Overall, baseline plasma zonulin levels were 19.4±1.7 vs 13.4±0.9 pg/mL in four non-responders vs two gluten-free diet responders.

Up to 33% of patients with difficult-to-manage NS show a positive response to a gluten-free diet. Elevated levels of plasma zonulin may predict a poor dietary response. 

This study shows that a gluten-free diet can help some children with frequently relapsing or steroid dependent Nephrotic Syndrome to reduce the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Doctors will do well to consider a gluten-free diet for such patients.

Presented at the American Society of Nephrology

The researchers are variously affiliated with NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States; NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States; University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States; Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Pasadena, California, United States; Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio, United States; Childrens's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, United States; Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York, United States; The Children Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States.

Celiac.com 05/21/2014 - A team of researchers recently studied the risk of renal disease in patients with both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease.

The research team included K. Mollazadegan, M. Fored, S. Lundberg, J. Ludvigsson, A. Ekbom, S.M. Montgomery, and J.F. Ludvigsson, with the Clinical Epidemiology Unit of the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.

For their study, the team used the Swedish Patient Register to review data on cases of T1D recorded at or before 30 years of age between 1964 and 2009.

The team used biopsy reports from 28 pathology departments in Sweden between 1969 and 2008 to gather data on patients with celiac disease with villous atrophy (Marsh stage 3). They found 954 patients with both T1D and celiac disease. They age and sex-matched each patient with T1D + celiac disease to five reference individuals with T1D only (n = 4,579).

They used Cox regression to estimate the following risks of both chronic and end-stage renal disease in patients with celiac disease + T1D compared with T1D patients only. They found that forty-one (4.3%) patients with celiac disease + T1D and 143 (3.1%) patients with T1D only developed chronic renal disease. This corresponded to an HR of 1.43 for chronic renal disease (95% CI 0.94, 2.17) in patients with celiac disease + T1D compared with T1D only.

In addition, for end-stage renal disease there was a positive (albeit statistically non-significant) HR of 2.54 (95% CI 0.45, 14.2). For chronic renal disease, the excess risk was more pronounced after >10 years of celiac disease (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08, 3.79).

Overall the two groups showed similar risk estimates when the cohort was restricted to T1D patients who had an inpatient diagnosis of T1D; those who had never received oral glucose-lowering medication; and (3) those who had not received their first diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy.

The team found no excess risk of chronic renal disease in patients with T1D and celiac disease. Interestingly, a sub-analysis did show a connection between long-term celiac disease and chronic renal disease in people with T1D.

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Celiac.com 04/27/2012 - Urinary stone disease is condition often caused by malabsorption. Because of its high prevalence and incidence, doctors regard it as a serious issue. However, there are few population-based studies on the risk of urinary stone disease in patients with celiac disease.

A team of medical researchers recently studied the risk of urinary stone disease in people with celiac disease. The research team included J. F. Ludvigsson, F. Zingone, M. Fored, C. Ciacci and M. Cirillo.

For their population-based cohort study, the team used small intestinal biopsy reports gathered from all 28 Swedish pathology departments from 1969 to 2008. In all, the team found 28,735 patients with celiac disease, all with the equivalent of Marsh 3 villous atrophy.

They then isolated a control group of 142,177 people from the Swedish general population. They matched patients and control subjects for age, gender, age, county and calendar year.

Using Cox regression, they estimated hazard ratios for future urinary stone disease. Using conditional logistic regression they then calculated odds ratios for urinary stone disease before celiac disease diagnosis.

The team used Swedish National Patient Register data on inpatient care, outpatient care and day surgery to find cases of urinary stone disease.

During follow-up, a total of 314 people with celiac disease developed urinary stone disease, compared with 1142 from the control group.

These numbers indicated that people with celiac disease face a 27% increased risk of urinary stone disease [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–1.44].

For celiac disease, patients the absolute risk of developing urinary stone disease was 107 cases per 100,000 person-years; which corresponds to an excess risk of 23 cases per 100,000 person years.

Men and women faced similar risk levels, and showed no difference with respect to age at celiac disease diagnosis.

Using conditional logistic regression the team found that celiac disease patients also faced a moderately higher risk of prior urinary stone disease (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.06–1.33).

The study indicates that people with celiac disease face a slightly higher risk of urinary stone disease both before and after celiac disease diagnosis.

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To gain a gleaner picture of possible connections, a team of researchers based in Sweden conducted a study of end-stage renal disease in individuals with celiac disease.

The research team included A. Welander, K. G. Prütz, M. Fored, J. F. Ludvigsson. They are affiliated with the Department of Medicine at the Karolinska Institutet of the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.

To identify individuals for their population-based prospective cohort study, the team used small-intestinal biopsy reports. They found data on 29,050 individuals with celiac disease (Marsh III) obtained between July 1969 and February 2008 in Sweden's 28 pathology departments.

The team defined end-stage renal disease as the need for renal dialysis or renal transplant in accordance with the international classification of disease and procedure codes in Swedish patient registers.

They used Cox regression to compare the risk of end-stage renal disease in individuals with celiac disease against the risk for age- and sex-matched reference individuals.

They found that, on follow-up, 90 individuals with celiac disease had developed end-stage renal disease, compared with a projected number of 31.

This means that people with celiac disease face an end-stage renal disease risk estimate of 2.87 (95% CI 2.22 to 3.71, p<0.001).  Adjusting for diabetes mellitus lowered that risk estimate only slightly, to 2.52 (95% CI 1.92 to 3.31).

When the team excluded people with prior urinary/renal disorders, the risk estimate for end-stage renal disease in people with celiac disease was 2.47 (95% CI 1.80 to 3.40).

However, once the team restricted the outcome measure to end-stage renal confirmed by independent data from the Swedish Renal Registry (SRR), the overall risk estimate increased to 3.20 (95% CI 2.39 to 4.28).

The results of this study show that people with biopsy-verified celiac disease face a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease.

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In a general population based cohort study, a team of researchers set out to assess the individuals with celiac disease for any form of glomerulonephritis (acute, chronic and non- specified), chronic glomerulonephritis and renal replacement therapy including dialysis treatment and kidney transplantation.
The research team was made up of Anders Ekbom, Michael Fored, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Johnny Ludvigsson, Nders ekbom, Ola Ole, & Scott M. Montgomery.

They looked at data from 14,336 patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease between 1964 and 2003. Patients were chosen from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. They established a control group of 69,875 individuals matched for age, calendar year, sex and county.

Higher Risk of Glomerulonephritis for Celiac Patients

The results showed that patients with celiac disease face an increased risk of developing chronic renal disease, and may also be at a face a slightly higher risk for any form of glomerulonephritis.

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 2006 21(7):1809-1815

Q: Is there any kidney disease associated with celiac disease?

A: Yes: IgA nephropathy, which is a common condition causing blood in the urine (possibly in microscopic amounts that would not be detected visually), may be caused by celiac disease. This may be similar to what happens in DH, where antibodies produced in the intestine get deposited under the skin. In IgA nephropathy, youve got IgA that was produced somewhere (we dont know where) getting deposited in the kidneys, causing secondary damage to the kidneys.