Early Diagnosis of Gluten Sensitivity using Fecal Testing

Shortcomings
of Celiac Blood Tests

•Two research groups tested 69 or 89 untreated celiacs, and 16 first degree relatives

–Serum antigliadin and antiendomysial IgA antibody

•Each test positive in only 59% of celiacs

–One or the other test positive in only 76-78%

•Positivity dependent on degree of villous atrophy (VA)

–Partial VA - 31% Subtotal VA - 70% Total VA - 100%

•Relatives - mild SB inflammation; all tests negative

Rostami et al Am J Gastro 1999;94:888

Dickey W Scand J Gastro 2000;35:181