Should I worry?

[mareahf]

Since I have celiacs I had my son tested for the he genetic markers and his results came back that he had none of the genetic markers for celiacs. I kept him gluten free for about a year and a half. After the tests I introduced gluten and monitered his behavior, bowel movements and any sign of pain. I never saw anything different. 

The thing that makes me worry is he is so skinny and has only gained 2 pounds in one year! He is 3 1/2 now and weighs 27 lbs and about 32 inches tall. The pediatrician never has mentioned his weight to be a problem but I just see all the other kids his age taller and heavier than him. He is not as physically active as other kids his age too. 

His father and I are both skinney small people too so I didn't start to worry until a few months ago. And we probably have a better daily diet than most people since I do all the cooking. 

Am I just a worried first time mother or should I get blood testing? The only reason I haven't done it yet is because the insurance doesn't cover it and the labs here in Puerto Rico don't have the latest full panel blood testing available. 

[cyclinglady]

Check this growth chart from the CDC (US gov).  

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Your child should be on at least one of the measurement charts: height, weight, head circumference (check with your MD).  My kid was always at the 5  to 10% mark for weight.  50%. For height.  She was little because she came from a little  family.   She eats well and has tested negative for celiac disease.  She gained more weight after age five.  Now, in high school, she is just under 50%.  She looks normal, but compare to the rest of the student population, she is small.  Kids today are much bigger, probably due to the American diet!  

If your PED is happy, do not worry!  

[StephanieL]

Growth charts aren't really all that accurate and of those that are- the ones from the WHO are much more accurate and up to date.  I would check those if anything.

 

Also, it's not the chart that you should look at (as it's a VERY loose guide).  What YOUR KID'S curve is is what's important.  Are they trending upward along the same lines?  You have said you and DH are small people.  I wouldn't expect your kiddo to be 6'10 and 350!  

If you are concerned and your kiddo is getting an adequate gluten to test then maybe that will alleviate your fears if you still have worries.

[Darren]

I don't think you have anything to worry about if no genetic  markers. Maybe you eat so healthy he needs to eat a bit less healthy since kids need some fat as they burn calories like crazy. Losen up the diet a bit. You can also order at home celiac testing kits that I are far cheaper and can give you reliable results such as celiasure by gluten pro. This is from Canada but I know the US has versions of it. Try that to put your mind at ease. 

[mommida]

I would not fully trust the genetic testing.

If you start noticing symptoms, you should start seeking answers with a (pediatrician) gastroenterologist.

[ravenwoodglass]

Where is he on the charts in relation to where he was at birth?  If he, for example, started out in the 60th percentile and is now in the 10th that would be a concern. 

It isn't going to hurt to have him screened for celiac with a blood test if he starts to show symptoms or has lost a good bit of ground on the growth chart percentiles. That is going to be more reliable than genetic testing. While rare there are diagnosed celiacs without one of the two main genes and more celiac associated genes are being discovered.