Progress in the serology-based diagnosis and management of adult celiac disease

Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Mar;14(3):147-154. doi: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1725472. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Abstract

Introduction: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development and application of serological tests used routinely in clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of adult celiac disease.Areas covered: We summarize existing scientific literature related to anti-endomyseal, anti-tissue transglutaminase, and anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies and detail the current and potential future applications of these tests in celiac disease.Expert commentary: Current serological tests in celiac disease have some of the best performance characteristics among disease-specific tests. However, in adult celiac disease, current diagnostic algorithms still rely on duodenal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. A 'biopsy avoidance strategy' has been implemented in pediatric celiac disease. Future high-quality studies will help inform on whether this approach can be implemented into adult gastroenterology services. It is envisaged that the next 5 years will see an increasing reliance on serology in the diagnosis of adult celiac disease.

Keywords: Celiac disease; diagnosis; potential celiac disease; serology; seronegative celiac disease.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Biopsy
  • Celiac Disease / blood
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Celiac Disease / immunology
  • Celiac Disease / therapy
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Diet, Gluten-Free
  • Duodenum / pathology
  • Gliadin / blood
  • Gliadin / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes / blood
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes / immunology
  • Serologic Tests* / methods
  • Serologic Tests* / trends
  • Transglutaminases / blood
  • Transglutaminases / immunology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • Gliadin
  • Transglutaminases