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Immunoglobulin A

Celiac Disease

Author/s: 
Joseph A. Murray, Steffen Husby

Celiac disease, a common autoimmune condition affecting approximately 1% of the population, can develop with exposure to gluten at any age. Diagnosis involves serologic testing, especially for IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, and may include tests to confirm the presence of endomysial antibodies or even duodenal biopsies, although the latter are becoming less necessary. The presence of genes encoding HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 is a prerequisite for the disease. A gluten-free diet is the mainstay of treatment, but some adults have nonresponsive celiac disease, which warrants closer monitoring because of an increased risk of malignant conditions. Celiac disease also frequently co-occurs with other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Keywords 
Immunoglobulin A HLA-DQ8 antigen celiac disease

Diagnosis and management of celiac disease

Author/s: 
Jedid-Jah Blom, Dominica Gidrewicz, Justine Turner, Donald R. Duerksen, M. Ines Pinto-Sánchez

Celiac disease is frequently undiagnosed, in part because of its highly variable clinical presentation.

Celiac disease can present with classic gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss), atypical or extraintestinal manifestations (e.g., anemia, osteoporosis, neurologic symptoms, infertility, fatigue) or asymptomatic presentations detected from screening.

The first-line serologic screening test measures tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A and should be conducted while the patient is consuming gluten.

Complications of celiac disease include nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, increased risk of viral infections and pneumonia, and, rarely, risk of malignancy.

Adherence to a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet with regular monitoring of disease activity and nutritional status is key for symptom management and to prevent complications.

Keywords 
celiac disease diet Gluten-Free
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