Pediatric Gastro.

[Trust Birth]

We got my son a referral to a Pediatric Gastro. My GP says it's obvious at the very least my son has a gluten intolerance but could quite possibly have celiac. I just want to make sure what the full celiac panel is and how much I have to gluten him for the test. Can anyone give me reliable information or point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Cinthia

[ShayFL]

Some say that the diet should be pretty glutened everyday for a good three months. 3 or so servings of a gluten food a day. Depending on his age he may get a false negative anyway (common in children under 6).

Here is the panel:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Total Serum IgA

You can always try a gluten-free diet to see if you get a POS result.

[Trust Birth]

Thanks,

I am certain he has a gluten intolerance as we've had him off gluten for a few months now. I am just concerned he may have something else going on like colitis or chron's. But for sure the gluten is a problem, as is; sugar, dairy, soy, and corn. I didn't know about the false negative in children under 6. WOW 3 or 4 months! I'm not sure if I want to do that! He's a very sick little boy when on gluten. I thought a couple of weeks for the test.....

*sigh* Now I'm not so sure I want to go through this. His IBS is SO very bad when on gluten, as is the DH. He looks so healthy now but every now and again has a problem with IBS. I just get worried there is an underlying cause I'm missing. kwim?

The GP is very supportive. He told me even if everything comes back negative I need to keep him off the things he's been reacting to in his diet, as obviously it's a problem. He sent him for a full blood work up and urinalysis. So we'll see what that yields. I wanted his sugar tested to be sure he doesn't have JD.

Thanks for all the info!

[ShayFL]

I am certain he has a gluten intolerance as we've had him off gluten for a few months now.

I would be shocked if you could get a POS now. He has been gluten-free too long. If it were me and mine, I wouldnt go through the Celiac tests. Just me. You have to do what feels right for you and yours.

The periodic IBS could be due to CC. It happens. Even when you are so very careful. Manufacturers change formulations, toothpaste, lotions, shampoo, dog food. CC can show up in the least expected places.

[hallowedb]

Can an infant be tested with a cheek swab to see if he/she even carries the gene for the celiac? I've asked my grandson's Dr. about it, but never really get a good answer. I know that adults and children can be tested this way, but not sure about infants.

[Mother of Jibril]

Yes... babies can be tested with a cheek swab. Depending on my results from Enterolab, I might do this with my three-year-old and seven-month-old. The instructions tell you how to do it with young children.

[ek327]

If the DH breaks out quickly back on gluten, you could have a derm do a skin biopsy to "prove" the diagnosis without having to be on the gluten long enough for GI to be damaged.