Rapid anti-transglutaminase assay and patient interview for monitoring dietary compliance in celiac disease

Abstract

Objective. The anti-transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) play an important role in monitoring the celiacs' gluten-free diet (GFD). Material and methods. The authors propose to use the rapid IgA anti-tTG assay based on a whole blood drop to evaluate the compliance to GFD at the clinical ambulatory setting. The rapid test results were compared with those of the conventional ELISA assay and with dietary compliance reported by patients' interview. Conclusions. The authors showed that anti-tTG rapid test is reliable and easy to perform in the ambulatory setting to evaluate dietary compliance. Moreover, they proved that celiacs' interview is more sensitive than serology in identifying patients who transgress.

Key Words::

• celiac disease
• dietary compliance
• gluten-free diet
• rapid immunoassay

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the nurses Fulvia Balsemin and Manuela Filaferro for reading the results of the rapid immunoassay.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.