Familial prevalence of celiac disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Serological screening enables us to detect patients of celiac disease (CD) before they develop serious complications. This study was planned to assess the prevalence of CD in the family members of index cases by serological screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 50 children diagnosed to be having CD. Serological screening of the family members of index cases was done and those showing positivity for the screening tests were further subjected to endoscopic duodenal biopsy for histopathological examination. RESULTS A total of 164 members of 50 celiac families were initially screened for antibodies. Antibody picked up 32.9% by IgG anti-gliadin (AGA), 20.7% by endomysial antibody, 19.5% by tissue transglutaminase and 14.6% IgA AGA as seropositive for CD. Endoscopic findings characteristics for CD were present in only eight family members. CONCLUSION Family members of CD cases represent potential cases of CD.