IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH CELIAC-DISEASE - VARIATIONS WITH AGE AND DIET

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (12) , 843-846
Abstract
Serum Ig were evaluated in 110 children with celiac disease ranging in age from 3 mo.-15 yr. IgG, IgM and IgA were evaluated in all patients when they were on a normal or a gluten-free diet; the findings were analyzed by age and type of diet. IgG and IgM levels were generally higher than normal. The type of diet did not affect the results. IgA levels were higher in untreated (normal diet) than in treated (gluten-free diet) celiac patients or normal subjects. The IgA levels returned to normal when the patients were on a gluten-free diet. The variations in Ig levels among the different age groups of celiac patients reflect the normal variations in serum Ig with age. The higher IgA levels in untreated celiac disease patients probably are evidence of chronic stimulation of the B cell immune system. This could be a factor in the high incidence of lymphoreticular abnormalities and malignant tumors in adults with celiac disease.