Autoantibodies to tissue transglutaminase are sensitive serological parameters for detecting silent coeliac disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-5491.2000.00291.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T14:45:27Z
• Authors: O. Kordonouri; W. Dieterich; D. Schuppan; G. Weber; C. Müller; N. Sarioglu; M. Becker; T. Danne
• Keywords: Tissue transglutaminase; Endomysium; Immunoglobulin A; Gliadin

Summary Aims To investigate the clinical significance of determination IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (tTG) for detection silent coeliac disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods A total 520 (median age 14.2 years, range 1–27) were tested tTG (IgA anti‐tTG, ELISA), endomysium (EmA, indirect immunofluoresence) and gliadin (IgA‐AGA, enzyme immunometric assay) after ruling out deficiency. Results The prevalence anti‐tTG among was 4.4% (23 520), that EmA IgA‐AGA 3.5% (18 520, respectively). coefficient agreement between antitTG high (Cohen's kappa = 0.87, P < 0.001). Thirteen 23 anti‐tTG‐positive underwent duodenal biopsy. Coeliac confirmed nine 13 patients. One them negative AGA, but positive anti‐tTG. Retrospective annual determinations up 8 years six showed both permanent transient elevations serological markers. Conclusions These data show a antibody test is more sensitive parameter than diabetes. Confirmatory small bowel biopsy, however, remains necessary diagnosis as some may be without histological changes.