[Antibodies to tissue transglutaminase as marker of gluten-free diet maintenance in patients with coeliac disease].

The aim of the study was to assess the compatibility of IgA antiendomysium antibodies (IgAEmA) and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgAtTG) in treated patients with coeliac disease and to estimate the value of the IgAtTG-ELISA as a marker of gluten-free diet maintenance. The study included 71 children and young adults (46 F, 25 M) aged from 6 years to 27 years, on the gluten-free diet (in some cases unrestricted) for at least 4 years because of coeliac disease diagnosed according to ESPGHAN criteria. Serum samples of all patients were examined simultaneously for IgAEmA titer by indirect immunofluorescence and IgAtTG level by ELISA test. IgAEmA antibodies were present in 26 patients (36.6%). IgAtTG-ELISA were positive in 23 patients (32.4%), equivocal--in 8 patients (11.3%) and negative--in 40 patients (53.6%). The serological tests were compatible in 58 patients (81.7%). If we consider equivocal results of IgAtTG test to be negative, IgAEmA and IgAtTG tests will be compatible in 64 cases (90.1%). Tissue transglutaminase antibodies ELISA provide a sensitive test of the gluten-free diet maintenance in patients with coeliac disease.