Duration of anti-tissue transglutaminase normalization after starting a gluten-free diet in children with celiac disease

The aim of the present study was to investigate the time required for the normalization of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA (anti-TTG IgA) after starting a gluten-free diet (GFD) in children with celiac disease (CeD). This study included 59 children under 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of CeD referred to Imam Reza Clinic affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All children were divided into two groups, including those with either <180 or >180 U/mL anti-TTG IgA levels. The titer of anti-TTG IgA was checked after the start of GFD. Data analysis was performed using a SPSS software (version 21). The shortest time of anti-TTG IgA normalization was acquired three months after the start of GFD, while the longest time was 30 months. The total average time of normalization was 12.28 ± 6.48 months. The average periods of normalization in patients with baseline anti-TTG IgA titers of <180 and >180 U/mL were 11.30 ± 6.12 and 13.82 ± 6.86 months, respectively (P > 0.05). According to our results, the duration for normalization of anti-TTG IgA levels after GFD initiation was independent of the baseline antibody titer at the time of diagnosis. Key words: normalization time, transglutaminase, gluten-free diet, celiac disease.