a few infants may present at a time when the mucosal lesion is less completely damaged. Furthermore, the degree of histological change after gluten challenge that is acceptable as a positive response may vary according to the state ofthe mucosa before challenge. It was noted that there are still no generally agreed criteria by which the histological lesions may be described, so that (after further discussions at the Third International Coeliac Conference in Galway) a European panel has been set up to make recommendations. In the experience of ESPGAN members, most coeliac children will have a histological relapse within 2 years of reintroduction of gluten. But a small number of unorthodox cases were reported that suggest that (a) histological relapse may take longer than 2 years to appear, or (b) the degree of sensitivity to gluten may vary at different ages. Very long-term follow-up will be needed to explain these anomalies. Meanwhile the search continues for 'the basic defect'.