[How sensitive and specific is the determination of gliadin antibodies in the serum of patients with severe damage of small intestine mucosa?].

Serum antigliadin antibodies of the IgG- and IgA-class were investigated by an ELISA-test in healthy children, children suffering from coeliac disease and children with recurrent diarrheas. The sensitivity and specificity of positive antibody-titres for the diagnosis of coeliac disease were evaluated. The investigation of antigliadin antibodies proved to be a useful instrument for the diagnosis of acute coeliac disease as well as for the follow-up of such patients. The limitations of this method are pointed out.