Anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies in the follow‐up of adult coeliac disease

Summary Background The detection of auto antibodies directed against tissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG antibodies) has a well‐established role in the diagnosis of coeliac disease, but the value of these antibodies in long‐term follow‐up is controversial. Aims To determine if serial anti‐tTG antibody measurements could confirm adherence to a gluten‐free diet (GFD) and identify patients at risk of disease complications. Methods In a 54‐month cohort follow‐up study, 182 adult patients were assessed. Data recorded included self‐assessment of GFD adherence; anti‐tTG antibody concentration and serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate. Where available, bone mineral density (BMD) and duodenal histology data were retrieved. Results Persistently elevated anti‐tTG antibody levels were significantly associated with abnormal duodenal histology (P