Big differences in primary care celiac disease serological markers request in Spain

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) prevalence is increasing but the disorder remains undiagnosed. The study compares CD serology markers requested by General Practitioners (GPs) over time and geographical areas. The aim of the current research is to assess the inter-practice and temporal variability in the request of CD serology markers by GPs in Spain, and the differences between regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling Spanish clinical laboratories. Primary care CD serology markers request in 2010, 2012 and 2014 from 15 autonomous communities (AACC), with more participants was reported. Test-utilization rates were calculated (tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (tTG-IgA) and deaminated peptide gliadine IgA antibodies (DGP-IgA) per 1000 inhabitants), and also the ratio of both tests request (DGP-IgA /tTG-IgA). RESULTS: The request of tTG-IgA per 1000 inhabitants increased significantly along years (from 3.99 to 5.90 (P < 0.001)). The demand of DGP-IgA per 1000 inhabitants was maintained in 2010 and 2012 (0.68 and 0.6), and decreased in 2014 (0.35) (P = 0.927). DGP-IgA /tTG-IgA diminished over time (from 0.16 to 0.06 (P = 0.548)), and in the 2014 edition, there was a significant regional difference, ranging from 0.01 to 0.57 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The variability in the request in CD serology markers emphasizes the need of inter-regional cooperation to develop strategies to optimize the use of laboratory tests.