It is with pride that we announce that Beutner Laboratories’ own Dr. Raminder Grover recently coauthored a paper evaluating IgA epidermal transglutaminase ELISA in suspected dermatitis herpetiformis patients.
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin disease that causes clusters of small, very itchy blisters and bumps and is caused by a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten. For those not familiar, gluten is a protein found in wheat and grains. When exposed to gluten, people who are intolerant have an immune reaction, causing IgA antibodies to be deposited in the skin, leading to rash and irritation. Sufferers can have both DH and celiac disease, where the gut has the same allergy to gluten.
In addition to a health history and physical exam, DH is usually confirmed with a skin biopsy and a specialized type of immunofluorescent stain that helps to detect the IgA antibodies. Diagnosis may also include blood tests to find certain antibodies.
The symptoms of DH may go away if sufferers eliminate all gluten from their diet, but healing may take several weeks to months. Medications may also be prescribed to support the healing process. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent DH aside from consistently eating a gluten-free diet, but early diagnosis is key to helping those with the condition make the changes that can help them feel better.
Beutner Laboratories is honored to be at the forefront of pioneering the most advanced methods for diagnosing a vast array of autoimmune skin diseases and helping patients heal.
You may explore an abstract of the paper, titled "Evaluation of IgA epidermal transglutaminase ELISA in suspected dermatitis herpetiformis patients," here.
You may also download a PDF of Beutner Laboratories' dermatitis herpetiformis flyer by clicking the link below.
.
Comments