At the beginning of the nineties, the antigliadin antibody assay (AGA) was first used in studies on the prevalence and incidence of celiac disease. Before those studies, this disease was considered to be rare and its incidence was underestimated (1:1000/2000).
Later, the study carried out at the University of Ancona showed a much higher prevalence (1:183) thereby revolutionising the knowledge on the disease and redefining its actual extent.
The discovery of antiendomysium antibodies and, later, the anti-transglutaminase antibodies played down the role that these antibodies have in celiac disease diagnosis.
However, they are still an important tool for paediatric patents under 5 years of age.
A study carried out in collaborations with the Italian Society of gastroenterology and Pediatric Nutrizione (SIGENP) has led to the definition of a primary standard for the quantitative assay of antigliadin antibodies.
Features of the products
Performance
A multicentre study involving 4 reference centres has been carried out to evaluate a-Gliatest S Chromo IgA ed IgG New diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The study included coeliac patients (based on biopsy proven diagnosis, clinical symptoms and serologic assays) and healthy patients.
Results
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Conclusion
The study proved that a-Gliatest S Chromo IgA ed IgG New performance is in accordance with data reported in the most recent literature concerning diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of anti-gliadin antibodies. Special attention should be paid to subjects with food intolerance who might show a positive result not associated to the presence of coeliac disease. (5)
The use of these tests is recommended in paediatric patients below tow years of age. (6)
A multicentre study involving 4 reference centres has been carried out to evaluate a-Gliatest S Chromo IgA ed IgG New diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The study included coeliac patients (based on biopsy proven diagnosis, clinical symptoms and serologic assays) and healthy patients.
α-Gliatest lgA Chromo New | α-Gliatest lgG Chromo New | |
Diagnostic Sensitivity | 68,1 % | 79,0 % |
Diagnostic Specificity | 95,7 % | 89,2 % |
NOTE:
5) KAUKINEN K. et al: Intolerance to cereals is not specific for coeliac disease. "Minerva Pediatr.1990 Jul-Aug; 42(7-8):263-6. Scand J. Gastroenterology 2000 Sep; 35 (9): 942-6.
6) FARREL R.J., KELLY C.P. “Celiac Sprue (review)”. N Engl J Med, Vol. 346, No. 3 January 17, 2002.