Survey of Celiac Serology between Microscopic Colitis and Healthy People

Abstract

Background:

Celiac, one of the most important malabsorbtion diseases caused by a reaction to gluten, results in inflammation of the small intestine and malabsorbtion.Two atypical microscopic colitis, collagenousand lymphocytic, have completely normal endoscopic appearances. Celiac disease should be excluded in all patients with lymphocytic colitis, particularly if diarrhea does not respond to conventional therapy. The objective of this study is to compare the serologic level ofanti-TTG antibody in patients with microscopic colitis who have referred to a GI sub-specialty center with the normal population in Sanandaj, Iran during 1391. 

 

Materials and Methods:

This was a case control study conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis who referred to SanandajTohid Clinic in 1391. Participants were chosen by census sampling. At the time of referral, demographic data was obtained and documented. Patients’ blood samples were taken and IgA tissue trans-glutamate levels checked by the Elisa method. Participants with positive antibodies were considered celiac positive.

The control group consisted of patients with no GI complaints (diarrhea), weight loss or anemia. Controls were matched for age and sex, and analyzed for celiac serology with the microscopic colitis group.

 

Results :

From 60 patients with microscopic colitis (32 male, 28 female) there were 53 patients with lymphocytic colitis and 7 who had collagenous colitis. Of these, 9 (15%) lymphocytic patients were positive for celiac serology. No patients with collagenous colitis tested positive for celiac serology.

From 120 healthy cases (64 male, 56 female), 3 (2.5%) were positive for celiac serology. The mean age was 35.8±13.1 years for patients with microscopic colitis and 35.1±12 years for healthy controls. Of 23 patients who underwent small intestinal biopsies, 13 (56.5%) were positive for celiac disease.

 

Conclusion :

The rate of positive serology tests for Celiac is higher in patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis in comparison to healthy individuals in Kordestan Province.

Patients with microscopic colitis that is non-responsive to treatment should be assessed for celiac disease by antibody testing or biopsy.  Patients diagnosed with celiac disease that is non-responsive to a gluten-free diet should be assessed for microscopic colitis.