University Researchers Seek Families with Celiac Disease/Dermatitis Herpetiformis History

Celiac.com 05/12/2003 - Families that have had two or more relatives diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Dermatitis Herpetiformis are being sought for a study to identify factors associated with the development of celiac disease. The goal of the study is to find genes that may predispose individuals and their relatives to develop the condition. The study has been funded for the last six years by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Discovery of a gene for Celiac Disease could eventually lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and possibly even prevention of celiac disease. Ultimately, the research could result in development of preventive strategies and therapies for individuals who are at high risk for the condition. It is estimated that 1 in 200 people in the United States suffer from Celiac Disease.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
We are looking for individuals with proven celiac disease who have siblings or extended family members who have also been diagnosed with the disease. The study will accept families where at least two individuals in the same family, with the exception of simple parent-child pairs, have been diagnosed with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Study participants will be asked to provide some family medical history and a small blood sample for genetic analysis. Participants will also receive a free Endomysial Antibody test for screening for Celiac Disease.

For further information, please contact Linda Steele at the City of Hope at (626) 471-9264 or toll-free at (800) 844-0049 or e-mail celiacstudy@coh.org.