Son's Labs - What Does Hladq2 & Hladq8 Mean?

[btm]

I received my son's labs today because of labs we did because he was having stomach pains. Below is exactly what the doctor's letter said.

...

Your child has HLADQ2 + & HLADQ8 - haplotype. The rest of the celiac labs are negative.

Thirty-five (35)% of the general population also have one or both of these genetic findings; thus the real utility in this test is when they are both negative, which rules OUT Celiac Disease. Since the HLADQ2 was present only the presence of abnormal endoscopic findings and/or clinical history can confirm or refute Celiac Disease. At this time there is no indication of celiac disease and a scope is not warranted on this basis alone.

...

Could someone tell me what this means? I'm going to call tomorrow to see does he think a biopsy is necessary or not. Part of the letter sounds like he needs it, the other says "not warrnated". Before I call, I

would like to know what everyones experience is with regards to HLADQ2 and HLADQ8.

I am Type 1 diabetic and worry that my sons will develop this as well.

Thanks.

[AndreaB]

From what I understand, those two genes are the ones that predispose to celiac disease.

[tarnalberry]

What is says is that he has two of the genes that can lead to celiac disease, but he has *no* other test results suggesting that he has celiac disease. The condition requires not only the genes to be present, but for them to be activated, and for some people, that never happens in their lifetime. (It appears that an environmental trigger is needed, perhaps a particular stress or an infection.) It goes on to say that, since no test results indicate that he had celiac disease, only the chance that he could develop it in the future, there is no call for a biopsy at this point. I would encourage, however, based on the genetic results, regular testing (every other year, maybe?).

[Jennas-auntie]

That's good news that he doesn't have it at this time! Just wondering-have you ever been tested for celiac? The current research suggests about 8-10% of all type 1 diabetics have celiac also. Open Original Shared Link

One third of HLA DQ2 homozygous patients with type 1 diabetes express celiac disease-associated transglutaminase autoantibodies, according to this study anyway-

Open Original Shared Link

Of course may be in the 90% or so of type 1 diabetics who do not have celiac, but they are just starting to recommend that all people with type 1 diabetes get screened for celiac (though most docs right now aren't up on that).

If your son has the genes, it is true, he may never express them in a way that leads to celiac. Now that you know he is predisposed to it you can periodically screen him for celiac, like tarnalberry suggests. There is unfortunately no set "how often do you screen" but probably every other year or if he develops any celiac symptoms would be a good decision.

[TCA]

How old is your son? does he have symptoms? My son's bloodwork was inconclusive, but he was very symptomatic. He's also DQ2 & 8 positive. He was diagnosed because of positive dietary response. Testing on kids under 5 can be inconclusive.

[btm]

My son is almost 7 and was complaining a few months ago of pains around his belly button. It took about 3 months before I could get in to see the doc. By that time, he had stopped complaining about his stomach, but I took him anyway. He has been under the care of a DAN doctor for ADHD symptoms. I've been watching his diet and thought for sure that he was allergic to gluten or corn because after he would eat something like french toast sticks from BK or pancakes from Biscuitville, he would get unruly. So I didn't know which one it was.

We did an IGG test through Genova Diagnostics ($144, Ouch) which showed under the grains section, very low to corn, gluten, kidney bean, lentil, oat, wheat. Nothing else under grains. He was a 3+ to onion.

I'm not too clear as to the symptoms of celiac, except for stomach pains and bowel problems. He has also had chronic constipation since I stopped nursing him. But, then again he is not a good drinker either. I have been giving him George's Active Aloe which seems to be helping and he is going every day now. And, he use to have these fine bumps on his back, but you could see them, only feel them, but they are gone now.

Is there a list here on this website of the symptoms we should be look for?

I was tested back in January for celiac and it showed nothing, but I kind of think that a biopsy would show something different cause all of my hair follicles on my upper arms and legs look inflamed or are very noticeable.

What does the + and the - mean?

Thanks so much for your help.