Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Positive EMA?

Ashley17

Recommended Posts

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted

Hello all,

My 4 year old son has been having stomach pain on a daily basis. Some diarrhea, some constipation. His grandmother has celiacs. He was tested and was negative for everything except for a positive EMA. He sees a GI in a couple weeks.

What are your thoughts on a possible diagnosis for him? From what I've read, a positive EMA is a sure celiac sign. But he was negative for the other antibodies? Do you think he will still need an endoscopy done? Thank you all in advance!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Fundog Enthusiast
Fundog
Posted

A an endoscopy is the "gold standard" of diagnosis, so yes, an endoscopy would still be preferable to get a confirmed, beyond a shadow of a doubt" diagnosis.  Be sure to keep him on gluten until all testing is complete.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much for your response! 

Have you ever heard of a only a positive EMA? Negative to the other tests? 

Fundog Enthusiast
Fundog
Posted

I'm not actually very well versed in any of the tests, being rather new at all this myself, but I think a couple other people on here could tell you a bit more.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thank you ! 

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I think it can be hard to get those other levels elevated enough, sometimes in a child.

 
  • "Anti-endomysial antibody test (EMA-IgA)—test specific for celiac disease. It is estimated that a person with an elevated level of EMA has an almost 100% chance of having celiac disease. However, this test is not as sensitive as the tTG-IgA test—about 5% to 10% of people with celiac disease in fact do not have a positive EMA test
  • HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8—gene tests for celiac disease"

Open Original Shared Link

 

 

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thanks! From what I'm reading, EMA is specific to celiac and not anything else, yes?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I am an oddball when it comes to celiac testing.  I tested positive to only the DGP IgA (even in follow-up testing).  Weird, but true.  That's why there a several celiac tests.  None are perfect.  People are not perfect.  That is why doctors still want to order an endoscopy (my biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB and my sympyoms was anemia, just anemia!) I would consider the endoscopy.  It sounds horrible, but he will be fine.   The genetic test will rule out celiac disease for life since you have to have the genes in order to possibly develop celiac disease, so that is an option.  It will not diagnose celiac disease though. 

Again, one positive is all it takes to go forward with an endoscopy.  

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
2 hours ago, Ashley17 said:

Thanks! From what I'm reading, EMA is specific to celiac and not anything else, yes?

Yes, it is specific to celiac disease.  

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thanks! I followed up with the pediatrician today and he is also anemic. Still have some tests pending after 3 weeks!! I feel like a jerk making him eat gluten when I know it is hurting him. But I know he has to keep eating it until all the testing is over!

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Hang in there mom! It will soon be over. Just stay strong. The anemia fits right in.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

I can't wait for it to be over! thanks all!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,851
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Suzanne Clarke
    Newest Member
    Suzanne Clarke
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Suze046
      Alcohol

      By Suze046 · Posted

      Hey! I’m recently gluten free and yes I really struggle with alcohol now. I haven’t really drank in 2 months as it just made me feel awful the next day in terms of stomach ache mainly. I’ve had a couple of glasses of white wine here and there (mainly low sulphate) but every time it gives me a gut ache. I think it’s because but guy is so damaged from my journey to discovering my gluten intolerance and hopefully this will improve but honestly I’m just not bothered about having a drink now. I can’t even touch Prosecco or champagne I think the bubbles really upset me! 
    • Suze046
      Gluten-Free Newbie

      By Suze046 · Posted

      That is helpful thank you I hadn’t thought of that! 
    • Awol cast iron stomach
      Work friends & food

      By Awol cast iron stomach · Posted

      I just wanted to share my support for you. Rant away. We all know that, and have experiences like that at some point. I am sorry for that very unpleasant, and emotionally isolating reminder of your medical condition. Which always is exacerbated by the hunger. I will admit many of my family friends, and coworkers found it easier to exclude me than to accommodate me. I also have to be very strict with cross contamination so in hindsight they did me a favor.  The sting however can often still be unearthed when I read experiences like yours.  I am sorry you had that occur. I hope you, and the coworkers can find the easy more accommodating experiences again after this unfortunate incident. Best wishes. 
    • Awol cast iron stomach
      Diagnosed gluten allergy but not Celiac

      By Awol cast iron stomach · Posted

      "...hemorrhoids, constipation and diarrhea" . Heard of indeed. Experienced too. In hindsight, I can remember from age 2 having, and trying to convey my issues. I went 38 years misdiagnosed. So yes one can have these issues. I did have to go back on gluten for a gluten challenge. I failed that challenge and 6 days in they give me permission to stop, and I proceed with my scopes as scheduled. Post those 6 days I had gained 13 intolerances. I had to remove many foods, and reintroduce them back in. Nine years later I have two that remain gluten, and corn. I found it helpful to follow a whole foods diet. I also found autoimmune (AIP) protocol diet/recipes, and Paleo diet/recipes helpful. I still enjoy many of those homemade version recipes. I still continue to make my own salad dressings even if I can find a gluten-free store bought version. Fresh taste best to this palate now.  I did give up many grains I was off many and reverted to coconut flour and almond flour as work arounds .  I still remember the first time my gut experienced the reintroduction of quinoa. It wasn't sure if it wanted to flare or not. In 30 minutes it reported back ok this will pass. Many foods were removed post gluten challenge for me for 2 years and 4 months. At the 2 year 4 month mark is when my body said ok let's eat again, but don't ever feed me gluten again! I wish you the best.   
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten-Free Newbie

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      if you have already learned that Gluten is the cause of your symptoms, of course there is no need to add it back into your diet— your decision could save you a lot of needless suffering. One thing to consider is that if you do have celiac disease, your first- degree relatives may also need to get screened for it, because, like diabetes the disease is genetic, although many of its triggers seem to be environmental factors. You may want to consider getting a genetic test for celiac disease, so you can at least warn your relatives if it turns out that you do carry a celiac gene.
×
×
  • Create New...