Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol
November 1998
Objective: Coeliac disease is a prevalent disorder but frequently remains undiagnosed because of varied modes of clinical presentation. In this study, methods for the detection of coeliac disease were evaluated in a clinical practice setting.
Methods: Small intestinal histology, IgA anti-endomysial and IgG anti-gliadin antibody tests were performed on 441 unselected, consecutive patients under investigation for small intestinal disease.
Decreased levels of suppressor T-cells (CD8+) were found in 17 normal women who received progestogen (Depoprovera) injection, 150 mg intramuscularly every three months for contraceptive purposes, for more than 30 months. The helper: suppressor T-cells (CD4+ : CD8+ ratio) was significantly elevated in this group compared to 30 normal female controls. No significant change of T-lymphocyte was found in 53 normal women who received the injection for less than 30 months or who received combined oral contraceptive pills.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF