ANTI-GLIADIN; IgG and IgA

CLINICAL UTILITY:

Celiac disease or gluten sensitive enteropathy is a chronic condition featuring inflammation and a characteristic histologic “flattening” of intestinal mucosa, which results in a malabsorption syndrome. The etiology is not known but gliadin (the alcohol soluble fraction of wheat gluten) has been established as the toxic agent. Historically, multiple intestinal biopsies were required to diagnose celiac and related disorders. As serologic markers have become available, they have come into use for screening patients with suspected gluten sensitive enteropathy, for monitoring dietary compliance, and for reducing the number of intestinal biopsies needed to make diagnoses. Both gliadin IgA and IgG antibodies are detected in sera of patients with gluten sensitive enteropathy. Gliadin IgG antibodies seem to be more sensitive but are less specific markers for disease; gliadin IgA antibodies are less sensitive but more specific. A significant proportion of celiac patients are IgA deficient.

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Anti-Gliadin IgG and IgA antibodies are measured colorimetrically using a solid phase immunoenzymatic assay ("sandwich" technique).

REFERENCE RANGE:

For IgG: <20 U = Negative; 20-60 U = Indeterminate; 61-90 U = Low positive; >90 U = Positive.
For IgA: <20 U = Negative; 20-30 U = Low positive; >30 U = Positive

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:

1.0 ml serum (0.5 ml minimum)