University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research: Research Update - 1 in 150 Adults Have Celiac Disease

  • (Celiac.com 06/12/2000) Multi-Center Serological Screening Study to determine prevalence of Celiac Disease in the United States. We have tested 8,199 individuals as part of the Multi-Center Serological Study for the prevalence of Celiac Disease in the United States. This number is comprised of the following: 4,162 healthy individuals (1,473 pediatric and 2,689 adult), 3,797 from risk groups (1,008 children with symptoms, 618 adults with symptoms, 1,819 first-degree relatives and 352 second-degree relatives).
    • Our preliminary data indicates that the following number of individuals tested positive for Celiac Disease:
      • General pediatric population 1 out of 163
      • General adult population 1 out of 150
      • General population 1 out of 154
      • Children with symptoms 1 out of 40
      • Adults with symptoms 1 out of 30
      • First-degree relatives of celiacs 1 out of 12
      • Second-degree relatives of celiacs 1 out of 11
    • For each child with symptoms, four children have celiac disease without symptoms; and For each adult with symptoms, 2 adults have celiac disease without symptoms making Celiac Disease a silent disease.
    • We are extremely encouraged by these preliminary findings; however, many more subjects need to be screened to put the study in full operation. Heres how you can help: Pledge your financial support. This study is almost entirely funded by individual donor contributions. Participate in our blood screening drives.
  • New Diagnostic Assay to develop a non-invasive diagnostic test for Celiac Disease.Our scientists have been able to develop a more sensitive, non-invasive, and specific test for Celiac Disease based on the use of tissue transglutaminase. We were able, for the first time, to clone the human tTG gene. Our preliminary results show that the human TtG assay performs much better than the commercially-available tests (including anti-endomysium antibodies and guinea pig-based transglutaminase assay).
  • New Dot-Blot Assay. We have developed a human tTG dot-blot test based on the detection of anti-tTG antibodies in serum or in one drop of whole blood, which can be carried out within thirty minutes. The preliminary results of the dot-blot assay indicate that the assay is as reliable as the human tTG ELISA test, making the diagnosis of Celiac Disease possible at the physicians ambulatory site.
    • If the sensitivity and specificity of these tests can be confirmed on a large scale, a case can be made on the possible discontinuation of the invasive intestinal biopsy procedure as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CD. This would result in early identification and treatment for patients with celiac disease at a significant cost savings. We will continue to validate these innovative tests during the future blood screenings

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