Final answer:
The IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody is used to monitor compliance with a gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease, as decreasing levels indicate adherence to the diet and healing of the intestinal mucosa.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monitoring compliance in celiac disease is typically done through serial serological tests for certain antibodies. The most commonly used antibody for this purpose is the IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody. A decrease in the levels of IgA tTG after a patient begins a gluten-free diet suggests that the diet is being followed and that the intestinal mucosa is healing.
The diagnosis of celiac disease often involves an initial serological assessment for antibodies against gluten, transglutaminase, and endomysium. If the results are positive, an endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa are usually conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Following a strict gluten-free diet is crucial for patients with celiac disease, as gluten consumption triggers an immune response that damages the microvilli of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption and a host of symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to more severe complications like anemia and osteoporosis.