Help Interpreting Resluts Of Blood Work & Next Steps

[Daria]

Hi all- this is brand new to us.. son with learning delays and we are searching for clues.. got his bloodwork back as: negative for HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 which I guess 97% of folks wiht celiac have one or the other. However his Gliadin IgA Antibodies were high (6.7) as well as Gliadin IgG Antibodies (16.6). We've been referred to a GI doc and have started gluten-free diet but am curious if anyone else has run into this. Also, if you have suggestions on what other tests to run. Looking at Enterolab stool test- but wondering if we need the full panel or can just go with the gene sensitivity stool test.

[AndreaB]

I would recommend the whole gluten panel they offer which includes the gene test, malabsorption, ttg and the IgA antibodies. I think they are offering dairy with that too (they were in May). Enterolab also tests for the gluten sensitivity gene which could also be a factor.

If you are going to want your son to go through a biopsy then you won't want to go gluten free with him until after the procedure. If you don't want the biopsy which is hit and miss then enterolab is definately the way to go. I had my family tested through them and was very pleased with their service. Results that were positive are in my sig.

Welcome.

[Daria]

thanks! excuse my ignorance, but what is the biopsy test - what's involved in the actual test and what kind of doctor does it, etc.. what is the advantage?

[AndreaB]

I've never experienced a biopsy but from what I understand the have a tube that goes down your throat to the start of your intestines and they take samples from various spots and then analyze them to see if they are damaged. They can see whether there is redness or irritation. Just because a biopsy can be negative doesn't mean that gluten is not a problem. From what others have said a biopsy can confirm celiac if there is damage but doesn't rule out celiac if it is negative. I believe it is a GI that performs the biopsy.

Also, with young children they are often negative. The enterolab tests would be best unless you need something permanent on his medical record. Also if the biopsy is negative then you would also still need to consider enterolab testing to find out if he has a gluten intolerance or not.