Prevalence of coeliac disease in unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of coeliac disease amongst the population with unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia in our region.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A prospective study was carried out on 147 consecutive patients with chronic hypertransaminasemia, having previously discarded alcoholic cause, hepatotoxic drugs, B, C and Delta viral infections, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Jemochromatosis, alfal-antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, congestive liver and illicit drug use. Serum Ig A to gliadin and endomysium antibodies were determined. Intestinal biopsy was carried out in cases those positive for one or both antibodies.

RESULTS

One patient was positive for both IgA to gliadin and to endonisyum antibodies, whereas another three patients were positive to IgA to gliadin only. A duodenal biopsy proved normal in two, a total villous atrophy in one and subtotal atrophy in other.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The prevalence of coeliac disease amongst the population with unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia in our region is 1.4%. 2. In our region, screening for coeliac disease in unexplained chronic hypransaminasemia should take a secondary place.