[Increasing prevalence of celiac children with negative serum antigliadin antibodies].

Aim: In the last few years we noted an increasing number of children with celiac disease with negative serum anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) a useful serologic test to monitor compliance to gluten-free diet. The aim of this study was to verify diagnostic accuracy of AGA and compare clinical characteristics of AGA-negative with AGA-positive celiac children.

Methods: The authors analyzed serum of AGA-negative celiac children with 3 Elisa kits, and compared clinical and anthropometric data of AGA-negative with AGA-positive celiac children.

Interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 in cord blood: relationship with paternal allergy and cesarean section.

Aim: To measure Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in cord blood and assess their relationship with parental allergy and perinatal characteristics.

Methods: In a neonatal care unit 212 consecutive full-term and appropriate for gestational age newborns were recruited. IL-10 and TGF-beta1 levels were determined in cord blood by high sensitivity ELISA.

Clarithromycin resistance of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from children' gastric antrum and fundus as assessed by fluorescent in-situ hybridization and culture on four-sector agar plates.

Aim: To assess validity of culture on four-sector agar plates and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) test, and clarithromycin resistance rate in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from children in the last 10 years.

Methods: In the last 5 years, gastric biopsy specimens from antrum and fundus were taken from 89 consecutive children (median age 9 years) with H. pylori gastritis and from 21 controls.