Introduction

The invention refers to a system for the diagnosis of gluten sensitivity not associated with celiac disease (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, NCGS). NCGS is a term used to identify all those cases in which a patient has typical celiac disease symptoms and takes advantage of a gluten-free diet, despite the presence of celiac disease or wheat allergy is excluded.

Technical features

NCGS is a syndrome characterized by gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten-containing foods. NCGS is difficult and time-consuming to diagnose. Based on a Symptom Questionnaire and two simple laboratory serological tests, the developed method is able to distinguish the NCGS, not only from healthy subjects but also from other diseases that may occur with similar symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease. The method’s strengths is enabling an objective diagnosis, contrariwise to the current subjective diagnosis based exclusively on the symptoms reported by patients. The method is also able to legitimize a condition that at present is considered to be of little clinical dignity despite a very large number of patients affected by it (0.6% -6% of the population).

Possible Applications

• Diagnostic Sector;
• Decision making support system to doctors regarding the diagnosis.

Advantages

• NCGS diagnosis impartiality;
• NCGS diagnosis made quick;
• NCGS condition’s legitimization;
• Opportunity to develop a screening tool;
• Opportunity to develop an app.