Diagnostic Capabilities of Islet Autoantibodies in Children with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Siblings

The aim of the study is to determine the diagnostic utility of several islet autoantibodies and their combinations in order to identify individuals susceptible to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among healthy siblings in the pediatric population within the scope of the development of a screening program.

Materials and Methods. A total of 424 children were evaluated, 260 children with new-onset T1DM and 164 healthy children with brothers and/or sisters with T1DM.

Blood tests for a complex of autoantibodies to insulin (IAA), tyrosine phosphatase (IA-2A), zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A), pancreatic β-cells (ICA), and glutamate decarboxylase (GADA) were conducted in all the subjects with the enzyme immunoassay method.

Results. It was found that the diagnostic utility of individual autoantibodies is not equal and varies with age. The optimal age groups for the immunological control of the risks of developing type 1 diabetes in healthy siblings were determined. The highest risks were noted with the combination of GADA, ZnT8A, and IA-2A.

Conclusion. Islet autoantibodies may serve as prognostic markers of the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in healthy siblings.

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