Doubts About Tests

[mom2lucas]

Hi! My 2 year old son was recently diagnosed a celiac through a biopsy, but his blood tests were negative. He started the gluten free diet almost a month ago and we are now seeing some improvements. However, we were waiting on our blood tests, because even though we didn't show any simptoms, my son's doctor ordered them anyway since this is an hereditary disease. We did IgA, Anti-TTG and Anti-endomysium, and they were all negative So, where did my son get it from? I know blood tests aren't reliable in kids, but I thought they were in adults, and even though we don't have any simptoms I guess my gallstones and psoriasis could be blamed on the celiac disease. Do you think this panel of blood tests is reliable or should we have the genetics tests done? Thanks for any input.

[psawyer]

The genetic factor alone does not create celiac disease. Many people have the gene without ever developing the autoimmune reaction.

It is generally understood that a trigger of some kind is needed to activate the disease in a person who is genetically susceptible. Obviously, gluten is also required for the reaction to occur--that is why the gluten-free diet works.

The trigger is usually something that puts stress on the immune system, such as an infectious disease, surgery or pregnancy/childbirth.

[fedora]

False negatives happen in adults too.

I have exzama. It is definately linked to wheat for me. I had to figure that out on my own.