[Demonstration of antibodies against gliadin using an immunofluorescence method in childhood celiac disease].

IgA and IgG type antibodies against gliadin were demonstrated in 396 serum samples of 350 patients with immunofluorescence method. The procedure was used in cases of clinically suspected celiac disease and for the control of the diet of patients with diagnosed celiac disease. The sensitivity of the patient material was 83% in the case of antibodies against IgA and 85% with antibodies against IgG. The specificity value with IgA antibodies was 96% and 91% with IgG antibodies. The authors consider the immunofluorescence technique suitable for the demonstration of immune complexes developed against gliadin and circulating in blood. On this basis the method is recommended both for the screening test of patients with suspected celiac disease and for the control of patients on gluten-free diet.