More Research

What kinds of tests are involved with the diagnosis of Celiac Disease besides a biopsy?
The Celiac Sprue Association states that a number of tests should be done. Sometimes they are referred to as the Celiac Blood Panel and will consist of (but not limited to):
Serologic Tests:

• EMA (Immunoglobulin A anti-endomysium antibodies)
• AGA (IgA anti-gliadin antibodies)
• DGP (Deamidated gliadin peptide antibody)
• tTGA (IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase)
• Tolerance or Measure of Digestion/Absorption Tests
• Lactose tolerance test.
• D-Xylose test.

Lab Tests Online suggests the following tests to determine the extent of the severity as well as damage done to other organs by CD:

• CBC (complete blood count) to look for anemia
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to evaluate inflammation
• CRP (C-Reactive protein) to evaluate inflammation
• CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) to determine electrolyte, protein, and calcium levels, and to verify the status of the kidney and liver
• Vitamin D, E, and B12 to measure vitamin deficiencies
• Stool fat, to help evaluate malabsorption

Additionally, Anti-tTG, AGA, and/or EMA tests may be ordered at intervals on patients to monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet.

The good news for me, is that several of these blood tests were taken when I was in the ER and at subsequent visits to the clinic, so perhaps they may shed some light on my particular case. Also, because I have had no gluten (that I know of) for three days now, I may not have to go back on a gluten diet. At least, that is my hope!!
The same source also states:

"If the person being tested has not consumed any gluten for several weeks prior to testing, then celiac disease tests may be negative (although this may require many months of gluten-free diet). "

The Journal of The American Academy of Physician Assistants points out that:

• Instead of having diarrhea, many patients with celiac disease may be asymptomatic or report atypical GI complaints such as constipation, abdominal pain, or lactose intolerance.

• A substantial number of patients with celiac disease initially receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Most patients with celiac disease never receive a diagnosis.

The Journal also states that the disease is roughly 3 times more prevalent in women, and that a large number of patients actually receive a diagnosis of IBS before CD is identified.

It is nice to know that even those who are not showing active symptoms of CD can be tested if they have a close relative with CD. If mine ends up being positive, I want my kids tested, and it may give incentive for my siblings to also be tested.




PLEASE VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION:
Celiac Sprue Association is protected by Copyright © 2008 Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc. (CSA)

Lab Tests Online is protected by Copyright © 2001 - 2009 by American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

The article from the Journal of American Academy of Physicians Assistants was published in December, 2009.