Prednisone?

[emilykay405]

I was on a low dose of Prednisone (10mg) for about 8 months. I stopped it about 3 weeks ago. I'm learning now that may cause false negatives for Celiac? /facepalm

 

Anyone have experience with this? How long do I need to be Prednisone free until the tests wouldn't be effected?

[GF Lover]

Where did "learn" about this?  

 

Corticosteroids are sometimes used short term to treat celiac spru.  I can find no information that corticosteroids would interfere with testing.

 

Colleen 

[emilykay405]

• Corticosteroids such as prednisone have been used successfully in treating some patients with refractory celiac disease.
• Immuno-suppressive drugs (medications that suppress a person’s immune system) such as azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) and cyclosporine also have been used.

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Maybe a better question would be: If it's used to help repair villi...isn't it possible that long term use can heal (or somewhat heal, depending on the damage rate) villi even with a gluten diet? Or cause false negatives for antibodies?

[GF Lover]

Steroids typically suppress the immune system thereby reducing symptoms.   They don't stop the production of antibodies.  Think of it this way.  Steroids reduce the reaction but they do not cure the underlying disease.  Long term use of steroids does more harm to a body then any benefit except in cases where steroids are used to replace natural cortisol or they are needed for quality of life.

 

But again, I have not seen any research to suggest that steroids interfere with celiac testing OR that they are used as a standard of care for the majority of those with celiac disease.

[answerseeker]

Yes it intereferes but I was on very large doses because I was in the hospital for asthma. I had prednisone in my iv and by mouth. the book "real life with celiac disease" written by 2 gi drs say that it will interfere with testing. Both blood and biopsy.

My bloodwork and biopsy were negative 3 weeks after stopping prednisone only to be diagnosed with celiac disease 2 months later

[GF Lover]

answerseeker, I'm glad you were able to eventually get diagnosed.

 

Aside from you citing a book, I have found no information supporting "prednisone interferes with celiac testing" .  I also do not doubt that this very thing happened with you.

 

Maybe someone else will find something. 

 

Good luck in continued healing.

 

Colleen 

[answerseeker]

werseeker, I'm glad you were able to eventually get diagnosed.

 

Aside from you citing a book, I have found no information supporting "prednisone interferes with celiac testing" .  I also do not doubt that this very thing happened with you.

 

Maybe someone else will find something. 

 

Good luck in continued healing.

 

Colleen