Biopsy A Teen?

[SRT]

I was diagnosed via biopsy in December of last year after a negative Celiac panel but with abdominal pain and bloating. My daughter was diagnosed at the same time (actually found mine because she was so sick) at the age of 11 with positive panel and biopsy. I did genetic testing on my other two children, one of which had neither gene, but my son, age 13, had DQ2 same as us. His celiac panel was negative but so was mine. We decided in December not to biopsy him but I am now reconsidering it. His symptoms, if that is what they are, are very mild. Occasional belly ache with random diarrhea. Definitely has difficulty focusing in the classroom but he is 13! He is not having growth issue (5'10") but is really skinny. I am afraid that it would take a positive biopsy to confirm it for him to get him to go on the diet. I guess my fear is driven on my scenario of negative panel and severe biopsies. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[ravenwoodglass]

Just my opinion but I would have him biopsied if he is willing.

[sb2178]

Ditto. (And I had a negative biopsy, but there is at least the sense that I have little or no intestinal damage.) If I could get my Dad to do bloodwork, and it were iffy/negative, I'd probably try to talk him into a biopsy as well.

[Mari]

Well you already know that he has the predisposition to develop celiac disease and some symptoms. If the biopsy is negative ( and it is only positive 70% of the time) it may be less distressing to him just to repeat the gliadin antibody and tissue transglutaminase tests at regular intervals. Enterolab has very sensitive fecal tests. This is one way that he can learn to assess his reaction to gluten - as he will have to do for himself as he gets older. This puts him more in control and gives him valuable information for his own descisions.