Screening First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Celiac Disease

Nearly all patients with celiac disease have the HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 haplotype. Because of this genetic predisposition, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends that all first-degree relatives of patients with celiac disease be screened for the disorder (Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:59). In this meta-analysis, researchers updated estimates of the prevalence of celiac disease among first-degree relatives using guideline-based diagnostic criteria (serum tissue transglutaminase IgA positivity with duodenal biopsy).

Thirty-four studies that involved 10,000 first-degree relatives were included. The prevalence of celiac disease was estimated to be 11% by serology and 7% by biopsy. Prevalence by relationship was 4% among parents, 10% among si…