Some Connections Between Celiac Disease and Arthritis

Celiac.com 02/08/2023 - Arthritis is a common problem for many people with celiac disease. And patients with celiac disease get rheumatoid arthritis twice as much as non-celiacs. However, the connection between arthritis and celiac disease is not well understood. A number of studies have found connections between celiac disease and arthritis. The connections are still not well understood, but here are some of the main findings.

Celiac Disease and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

A recent study shows that JIA is nearly three times more common among children with celiac disease than in the general population. Other studies support this finding. We also know that celiac disease can occur in JIA patients with no celiac symptoms.

Celiac Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
In adults with celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis strikes nearly 9 per 10,000 person-years and about 5 per 10,000 person-years in matched factors over a follow-up of about nine years.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs nearly twice as often among adults with celiac disease. It's important for individuals with celiac disease to be aware of the possibility of developing rheumatoid arthritis and to inform their doctor if they have any joint symptoms. 

High rates of Celiac Disease Antibodies in Adult Rheumatology Patients

We know that studies have shown high rates of celiac antibodies in adult rheumatology patients. A recent study showed celiac antibodies in 3% of adult rheumatology patients, which provides support for celiac screening in people with rheumatological issues might be good practice.

Because of the extra risk, it is important for clinicians to watch closely for signs of arthritis in celiac patients with joint symptoms, as early arthritis detection and treatment leads to much better outcomes.

Look for researchers to learn more about the connections between arthritis and celiac disease going forward. Stay tuned for more on this and other important stories about celiac disease.

Read more on celiac disease and arthritis

• Could an Old Arthritis Drug Treat Celiac Disease and Allow Celiacs to Eat Gluten Again?
• Celiac Disease More Common in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Celiac Disease Possible in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients with no Celiac Symptoms