Prevalance of celiac disease among first degree relatives of celiac disease patients

Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy which affects proximal small intestine and characteristically seen at people whom have genetic susceptibility and gluten sensivity. Celiac disease risk increases especially at celiac patients? first degree relatives.The objective of the present study is consequently to determine the prevalance of celiac disease in a group of first degree relatives of our celiac patients. First degree relatives of 195 celiac patients attending Fırat University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Gastroenteology Unit undergo serologic screening. Total 484 family members included 113 mothers, 109 fathers and 262 siblings. Anti-tTG IgA and total serum IgA were used as first level screening. Duodenal biopsy recommended to subjects showing positive results to anti-tTG IgA. Biopsy samples were obtained through an endoscopy procedure. Biopsy specimens were evaluated and classified according to Marsh classification.Positive anti-tTG IgA was found in 46 first degree relatives (9,5%). Serum IgA levels were normal. Out of 46 serology positive relatives, 34 agreed with endoscopy procedure. Histological changes characteristic of celiac disease was found in 23 subjects. The prevalance of celiac disease among the first degree relatives was 4,8%. Out of 34 subjects that biopsy was taken, eleven were evaluated as Marsh 0, five as Marsh I, four as Marsh II, twelve as Marsh III and two as Marsh IV. Out of biopsy positive subjects three were mothers, one was father and nineteen were siblings.In conclusion, the present study identified 23 undiagnosed cases of celiac disease among 484 first degree relatives of 195 celiac patients, confirming high prevalance (4,8%) of disease in this specific group. An extensive screening policy is mandatory in these subjects.Key words: Celiac disease, first degree relatives, tissue transglutaminase IgA, prevalance.