Publication:

Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA levels in severe acute malnutrition in children up to 60 months of age-a cross-sectional study from North-West India

Background To evaluate anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (anti-tTG IgA) levels among children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) aged up to 60 months.

Methods This observational study was conducted at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 100 children diagnosed with SAM, meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. Following thorough clinical assessment and management as per standard protocols, their anti-tTG IgA levels were measured.

Results Elevated anti-tTG IgA levels (>4 U/ml) were observed in 37% of participants. Among them, 21% showed weakly positive results while 16% had strongly positive levels.

Conclusion Screening for celiac disease using anti-tTG IgA levels in SAM patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial. For children with levels exceeding 10 U/ml, further diagnostic procedures like intestinal biopsy are recommended to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention.