BMJ  2006;332 (28 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7535.0-c

Stool tests don't reliably screen for coeliac disease in children

Detection of secretory IgA antibodies against gliadin and human tissue-transglutaminase in stool has limited value in screening for coeliac disease in children. Kappler and colleagues analysed stool samples of 20 children with newly diagnosed coeliac disease and 64 controls (p 213). Using recommended cut-off limits and combining the results from two commercial stool tests, they found a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 58%. They say that all diagnostic tests should be fully validated before they are marketed and used.

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Relevant Article

Detection of secretory IgA antibodies against gliadin and human tissue transglutaminase in stool to screen for coeliac disease in children: validation study

Matthias Kappler, Susanne Krauss-Etschmann, Veronika Diehl, Hannelore Zeilhofer, and Sibylle Koletzko
BMJ 2006 332: 213-214. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]