Process For 4 Year Old?

[StephHappens]

I was just diagnosed (positive blood work and positive endoscopy) right before the new year. My gastroenterologist said my mom and daughter should be tested. My daughter is just about to turn 4. What is the process to get a 4 year old tested? My husband doesn't want her to have to get blood drawn. Should we do it now or wait to see if she has symptoms?

What was the process for those of you with younger children?

Thanks!

[Dixiebell]

There is no other way. She will need to have the blood test for celiac. This is a good time to do it because she is on a gluten filled diet. I believe it is recommended to have them done once a year. It is better to catch it early.

Most children are not too afraid of getting blood drawn. I am more afraid than my son.

[salexander421]

Did you have any genetic testing done? If you did you could have your daughter tested to see if she carries the same gene as you. I believe some do it with a cheek swab. If she carries the same gene/genes as you then I would go ahead and suggest the celiac panel. If she does not carry the same genes as you then she most likely does not have celiac. There are people that have celiac with out carrying the classic celiac genes but I think it's only like 5% of people with celiac, so very small chance. Hope that helps!

[divamomma]

My daughter (also 4) had bloodwork and a scope/biopsy. She has no problems with either.

[Roda]

Both my kids do fine getting their blood drawn. My youngest son(6) has been screened twice Two years apart and was neg on blood testing after I was dx but just 2 months ago was positive. My oldest has been screened three times and all neg but the numbers are slowly inching up. He will probably be gluten free soon since his allergist feels that he is either celiac that is not showing up on blood work or at least gluten intolerant. I'm probably going to get a referral to a GI soon so for now he is still eating a regular diet.

[StephHappens]

Ok. Thanks. I think my husband is more scared of having blood drawn or seeing blood drawn. He almost passes out every time. I might have to take her. She isn't showing any signs, but I didn't either at her age. I think mine became active right after she was born. She has an appt on Friday. Fingers crossed all goes well.

[mushroom]

Ok. Thanks. I think my husband is more scared of having blood drawn or seeing blood drawn. He almost passes out every time. I might have to take her. She isn't showing any signs, but I didn't either at her age. I think mine became active right after she was born. She has an appt on Friday. Fingers crossed all goes well.

No need to worry. Nurses/phlebotomists know how to deal with young children, and it really is a relatively painless procedure. If you wanted to prepare her, you could practice tying something around her arm above the elbow so she will get used to the feel of it and explain to her that they do this to make it easier. There are a lot of people who cannot stand the sight of blood/faint upon seeing it. It is not at all uncommon and your husband should not feel embarrassed about it, just accept it. (And he doesn't have to look when they draw his blood )

[irish daveyboy]

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition 12th Jan 2011.

Objective:

Small intestinal histology is the criterion standard for the diagnosis of celiac disease (celiac disease).

However, results of serological tests such as anti-endomysium antibodies and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) are becoming increasingly reliable.

This raises the question of whether a small intestinal biopsy is always necessary.

The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate whether a small intestinal biopsy can be avoided in a selected group of patients.

Conclusion:

Pediatric patients with a tTGA level

[salexander421]

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition 12th Jan 2011.

Objective:

Small intestinal histology is the criterion standard for the diagnosis of celiac disease (celiac disease).

However, results of serological tests such as anti-endomysium antibodies and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) are becoming increasingly reliable.

This raises the question of whether a small intestinal biopsy is always necessary.

The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate whether a small intestinal biopsy can be avoided in a selected group of patients.

Conclusion:

Pediatric patients with a tTGA level

[Lunabell]

I am considering getting the genetic testing done for my 6 year old. It would take a team to hold her down for a blood draw and at this point in her life, she has zero symptoms. Getting the genetic test is a compromise. It is painless for her and will let us know how much we should worry about testing her.

I did have my 10 year old tested. She is disabled and cannot talk, nor does she show pain until it is dire. She has always had some digestive issues, so we decided we needed to know for sure. She was negative, but we will keep an eye on her.