Reviewed on : 26 Jun 2020

Reviewed by : Dr Victoria Gordon

Expires : 26 Jun 2022

Revision of Recommendations COVID-19 Non-biopsy policy for adults with positive coeliac serology

UHCW has adopted the BSG non biopsy protocol during COVID-19 (see flow chart below)

OGD and D2 biopsy is no longer performed if patient < 55 and no alarm symptoms – instead perform EMA test if tTG raised and refer to dietetics

What we know about using non-biopsy protocol to date:

• IgA tissue transglutaminase (tTG) level of ≥10x the upper limit of normal (ULN) is more than 90% predictive of villous atrophy in the adult population.
• In young people, anti-endomysial antibody test (EMA IgA) testing in a second blood sample serves to reduce the likelihood of a false-positive tTG result and/or the possibility of a recording a transiently elevated tTG titre.
• Where EMA is not available a 2^nd tTG is acceptable.

There is an unknown risk to undiagnosed individuals who have coeliac disease but are not on a Gluten Free Diet. This is likely to be comparable to a patient with coeliac disease that has on-going villous atrophy.

The risks are of increased :

• Haematinic deficiency
• Reduced bone mineral density
• Reduced quality of life
• Increased risk of small bowel lymphoma.

Non biopsy protocol

Reference: British Society of Gastroenterology Suggested Protocol Pending Revisions of the BSG Coeliac Disease Guidelines