Background:In recent years several case reports of coexistence of coeliac disease and systemic lupus erythematosus have been published. The similar aetiology of these two diseases suggests a link between coeliac disease and lupus. There are some suggestions that these two disease coexist in some populations. Aim of the study: To evaluate the frequency of coexistence of these two diseases and evaluate the utility of tested antibodies in diagnosing coeliac disease.
Material and methods:Antibodies characteristic for coeliac disease were tested in 45 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Results:Anti-gliadin antibodies were present in 31.1% of patients with lupus, anti-transglutaminase antibodies were present in 2.2% of patients, and anti-GAF were present in 6.6% of patients. There was no correlation between the presence of tested antibodies and involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. There was no correlation between the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies and antibodies characteristic for coeliac disease.
Conclusions:The increased level of anti-gliadin antibodies in patients with lupus is probably connected with the greater tendency for immunization. For the best diagnosis of coeliac disease both anti-transglutaminase and anti-GAF antibodies should be assessed. Antibodies against transglutaminase are the most specific for the diagnosis of coeliac disease – further endoscopic assessment is needed.