Point of care testing for paediatric coeliac disease in the new ESPGHAN era
Michelle Shui Yee Lau1, David S Sanders2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Room P18, Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
Insights
Diagnosing coeliac disease remains a challenge. A new point-of-care test, Simtomax, shows superior sensitivity in detecting coeliac disease compared to existing tests.
Area of Science:
- Clinical immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic test development
Background:
- Coeliac disease is increasingly prevalent, yet significantly under-diagnosed.
- International guidelines recommend serological screening for at-risk populations.
- Point-of-care tests (POCTs) aim to improve coeliac disease detection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a novel POCT for coeliac disease.
- To compare the sensitivity of Simtomax (anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies) with existing tTG-based POCTs.
Main Methods:
- A head-to-head trial comparing Simtomax, Biocard, and Celiac Quick Test in adults.
- Assessment of anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA and anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgA/IgG antibody detection.
Main Results:
- Simtomax demonstrated a sensitivity of 92.7%.
- Biocard and Celiac Quick Test showed lower sensitivities of 72.2% and 77.8%, respectively.
- Simtomax uniquely detects both IgA and IgG anti-DGP antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Simtomax exhibits superior sensitivity for coeliac disease diagnosis compared to tTG-based POCTs.
- This novel POCT has the potential to improve case detection and reduce under-diagnosis of coeliac disease.
Abstract:
One of the challenges in coeliac disease is the significant under-diagnosis despite the increasing prevalence and international guidelines for serological screening in appropriate patient cohorts. Several point-of-care tests for coeliac disease have been developed over the past decade with the aim of improving case detection using rapid and convenient testing. Most point-of-care tests, such as Biocard, detect anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies, whereas Simtomax uniquely detects anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgA/IgG antibodies. A recent head-to-head trial in adults comparing two tTG-based point-of-care tests (Biocard and Celiac Quick Test) and Simtomax found that Simtomax was superior to Biocard and Celiac Quick Test, with sensitivities of 92.7%, 72.2% and 77.8%, respectively.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...