Reticulin antibodies in coeliac disease.

The diagnostic value of demonstrating reticulin antibodies in children affected by coeliac disease is discussed. The antibodies were shown by immunofluorescence in 201 serum samples of 82 patients during the initial phase, during gluten provocation after several months of gluten-free diet. Demonstration of reticulin antibodies is not useful in screening for coeliac disease in patients suspect of the condition since both false positive and negative results occur in spite of the high sensitivity of the test. Determination of the antibodies is, however, a useful guide in dietary control. The antibodies discriminate coeliac disease from cow's milk protein intolerance.