Efficacy of antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in the diagnosis of celiac disease in children.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in the diagnosis of celiac disease in children. Study Design: Observational Study. Setting: Department Peadiatric at Indus Medical College Hospital Tando Muhammad Khan. Period: July 2020 to December 2020. Material & Methods: Thirty five (35) cases were diagnosed to be suffering from celiac out of 50. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 6.67 years with standard deviation 3.7 years and the male female ratio was 1:1.27. The data was entered, saved and analyzed in SPSS 10.00. Results: Main presenting characteristics were as; diarrhea, failure to thrive, and pain of the abdomen, malodour of stool and signs of malnutrition. Thirty five (70%) cases had elevated antitissue transglutaminase antibodies levels and 15 (30%) were negative while 32 cases had total villous atrophy on Jejunal biopsy. Conclusion: The antitissue transglutaminase antibody is cheaper and simpler and more sensitive test for mass screening.