The importance of determining human leucocyte antigens in preventing intestinal lymphoma in patients with celiac disease

Abstract

Identification of celiac disease, by determining human leucocyte antigens DQ2/DQ8, is important since recent long-term studies have shown that the mortality of celiac disease is increased, if it is unrecognized and untreated. In this sense, we wanted to see the usefulness of genetic tests in celiac disease diagnosis and screening. Material and methods. During 2010 we determined by PCR, DQ2/DQ8 haplotype, in a group of 27 children with celiac disease and 9 of their brothers, serologically negative for celiac disease. Results. 22 children and 7 of their brothers confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease, DR3-DQ2 haplotype was predominant in children with celiac disease and DR4-DQ8 to their brothers. Conclusions. Genetic testing to determine human lecocyte antigens remain the most reliable test in the diagnosis of celiac disease but also in identifying family risk for people with celiac disease