Enterocyte antibodies
Category | Immunology |
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Test background |
Autoimmune enteropathy is an entity reported primarily in infancy, resulting in intractable diarrhoea and associated with small bowel villous atrophy and the presence of circulating enterocyte antibodies. It is a multisystem disorder with a response, in many cases, to immunosuppressive therapy. |
Clinical Indications |
Differential diagnosis of autoimmune enteropathy and refractory sprue (coeliac disease) |
Reference range | Negative |
Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
Sample volume | 5-10 mL (1 mL serum) |
Turnaround time | 28 days |
Notes | Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield. |