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Published on: December 15, 2011
[Active search of celiac disease among first degree relatives of known celiac patients]
Insights
Screening first-degree relatives (FDR) for celiac disease (CD) revealed a high serological prevalence, 15 times greater than the general population. Utilizing IgA/IgG-tTG tests and intestinal biopsies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Active screening for celiac disease (CD) has expanded the understanding of its clinical presentations.
- First-degree relatives (FDR) of individuals with CD represent a key risk group for developing the condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of celiac disease (CD) in first-degree relatives (FDR) of diagnosed celiac patients.
- To evaluate the utility of serological markers and intestinal biopsies in identifying CD within this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 113 FDR from 37 celiac disease patients underwent assessment, including clinical data collection and serological testing for Immunoglobulin A (IgA), anti-transglutaminase (tTG), and anti-endomisial (EMA) antibodies.
- Individuals with positive serology were recommended for intestinal biopsies to confirm diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Of the 113 FDR assessed, 14 (12.4%) exhibited positive serological results for CD. None had IgA deficiency.
- Measurement of IgA/IgG-tTG identified an additional case not detected by IgA-tTG alone. Two relatives were EMA positive.
- Six of the 14 FDR with positive serology underwent intestinal biopsy, confirming active CD (Marsh ≥ 2) in two and diagnosing potential CD (Marsh 0/1) in four.
Conclusions:
- The serological prevalence of CD among FDR was significantly higher (15-fold) than in the general Chilean population, underscoring the importance of active screening.
- Employing IgA/IgG-tTG testing can enhance the diagnostic yield in active CD surveillance programs.
- Intestinal biopsies remain essential for differentiating between active classic CD and potential CD, guiding appropriate management strategies.
Background:
Active search of celiac disease (CD) among risk groups has significantly increased the scope of known clinical variants.
Aim:
To measure the frequency and clinical characteristics of CD among first degree relatives (FDR) of known celiac cases.
Material And Methods:
Between January 2012-August 2013, 37 patients with celiac disease brought 113 FDR for assessment. Their clinical data was recorded and a blood sample was obtained to measure serum Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, anti-transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomisial (EMA) antibodies. Cases with positive serology were advised to have an intestinal biopsy.
Results:
Fourteen relatives (12.4%) had positive serological results and none had IgA deficiency. Among IgA-tTG (-) cases, measurement of IgA/IgG-tTG identified an additional case. Two of the 14 relatives were EMA positive. All 14 cases were advised to have an intestinal biopsy, but only 6 accepted the procedure. In two, the intestinal lesion was classified Marsh ≥ 2 and active CD was diagnosed. Histology in the remaining four was Marsh 0/1 and were diagnosed potential CD, remaining under control, without gluten free diet.
Conclusions:
Serological prevalence of CD among first degree relatives of known celiac cases was 15 fold greater than in THE general Chilean population, strongly supporting the idea of implementing active search to customary clinical practice. Determination of IgA/IgG-tTG may be useful to improve the yield of active search. Intestinal biopsies were crucial to differentiate active classic CD from potential CD.
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