title: Antibodies to gliadin as a screening test for coeliac disease. A prospective study.
abstract: The diagnostic value of gliadin antibody determination using the fluorescent immunosorbent test was examined in a prospective study of 57 children with gastrointestinal disease. Antibodies to gliadin were found in all 20 patients with active coeliac disease, whereas 7 of these children (37%) had a normal xylose absorption test despite a flat small gut mucosa. Only 4 (14%) of 28 children with other gastrointestinal conditions had antibodies to gliadin, invariably in low titre. After at least 2 years on a gluten-free diet none of 9 children with coeliac disease in remission had demonstrable gliadin antibodies. The gliadin antibodies disappear slowly, within 6 to 24 months, after withdrawal of gliadin from the diet. 0.8% (5/606) of a healthy control group of children, adolescents and adults (not biopsied) had gliadin antibodies in low titre. Increased mean cow's milk antibody titres were demonstrable in 8 (40%) of 20 patients with active coeliac disease as well as in 9 (32%) of 28 patients with other gastrointestinal lesions. Our studies show that determination of circulating gliadin antibodies is a worthwhile screening test in suspected cases of coeliac disease. In patients so selected there is a definite indication for small intestinal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005903:Gliadin / Q000276:immunology*; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014994:Xylose
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D008894:Milk Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D005983:Glutens; D005903:Gliadin; D014994:Xylose