Evaluation of anti-COVID-19 measures taken by the parents of children with celiac disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first emerged in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has spread all over the world. Its causative factor is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is similar to SARS-CoV. 1,2 Although the mortality rate for COVID-19 ranges between 1.4 and 7.2%, the rates have been found to be higher among individuals who have underlying comorbid diseases. 1,2 While COVID-19 has primarily been characterized by the respiratory impact of viral pneumonia, it affects multiple organ systems with significant morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients. 3 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is seen in all age groups. Its clinical course and prognosis are relatively mild in children, compared with adults. It may result in mortality among adults, especially those who have underlying comorbid disease such as diabetes and cancer. 4,5 All countries have taken serious measures in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), including lockdowns,social distancing, hand hygiene, mask use and limitations of hospital visits in order to prevent the spread of this disease. There is no clear evidence regarding how lockdowns affect quality of life, especially among children and individuals with chronic diseases. 1,6 The World Health Organization has reported that the coronavirus causing COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets and by touching one's mouth, nose or conjunctiva after touching virus-contaminated surfaces. Moreover, it can be transmitted on objects that have been used by an infected person. 1,7 For working individuals, it is important to regularly clean the working environment and the keyboards, tables and telephones that are used in the workplace. 1 Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy caused by the immune reaction that is developed through gluten intake among individuals who have a genetic predisposition to this. The treatment for celiac disease consists of a lifelong gluten-free diet. 8,9 Since celiac patients may have difficulty in finding gluten-free foods during lockdownperiods, asking for support from self-care agencies is recommended. 10

Celiac Disease and Targeting the Molecular Mechanisms of Autoimmunity in COVID Pandemic

“…Parents of children with CD did not know that the risk of infection with this virus in their children may differ from that of healthy children, so the study accentuated that these parents should have been better informed about COVID-19. Parents also noticed the increase in the level of anxiety in their children during this pandemic, as well as the fact that they gained several extra pounds in lockdown, with a negative effect on their health, well-being and keeping up a healthy way of living [ 108 ].…”

Coronavirus disease 2019 and gastrointestinal disorders in children

“…103 In contrast, reports from Italy and Türkiye have suggested unchanged GFD adherence levels of children with CeD. 104,105 IBD IBD, consisting mainly of two conditions, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic, complex, and costly immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Although most IBD patients are diagnosed in early adulthood, it is estimated that some 15% of all patients are diagnosed during childhood.…”

“…103 In contrast, reports from Italy and Türkiye have suggested unchanged GFD adherence levels of children with CeD. 104,105…”