skip to main content

Coeliac disease — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateGastroenterologyCoeliac diseaseRACP Paediatrics

A 6-year-old has poor growth, abdominal bloating and iron deficiency anaemia. His mother has coeliac disease; he has been eating a normal gluten-containing diet. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Tissue transglutaminase IgA with total IgA level

Coeliac disease screening should include tTG-IgA with total IgA while the child is consuming gluten. Starting a gluten-free diet before testing can make serology and biopsy falsely negative. The pearl is to check total IgA because IgA deficiency can produce a misleadingly negative tTG-IgA.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)