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Old 02-19-2015, 01:18 PM
Need_An_Answer Need_An_Answer is offline
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Need_An_Answer Need_An_Answer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glenntaj View Post
--not just children, with malabsorption issues such as low iron levels and Vitamin D deficiency (though, as regards iron, the possibility of heavy menstrual periods in post-menarche women may be a factor) should be titred up for celiac, as malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine is the hallmark of the condition.

The tests results are not entirely normal--the our of range test, the antigliadin IgG, is the most sensitive but the least specific for celiac; it tends to be the first test to become abnormal, though, in those that are gluten sensitive. The transglutaminase tests tend to be the most specific as regards degree of damage to the intestinal villi (wouldn't have been a bad idea to get a transglutaminase IgG level as well).

Still, this is a sign to cut out gluten. Doing that cannot hurt--no one NEEDS gluten to live--and might well help, although don't expect any improvement to be dramatic.

The gold standard to diagnose celiac is still evidence of villious atrophy on endoscopy. But often the damage is patchy or spotty so it is important, for samples to be taken from many parts of the intestine if the test is done (there is a tendency for some gastroenterologists to just sample the upper part of the small intestine in just a few places).
Thanks for your response

Her cycles are light, so I think I can rule that out as contributing to the iron issue.

I wonder if the celiac panel was as accurate as it could be -- this was taken in January - 5 months into her illness. After a 20 pound weight loss when she is eating only very little here and there. I wonder if its an accurate picture? Does any abnormal reading point to gluten issue with or without celiac?

You indicate not to expect dramatic improvements if we drop gluten. What does that mean? If gluten is the root of her issues, and we drop it, what should I expect? When people go gluten-free how long does it take until they think they are seeing a difference? Weeks? Months? Years?

Thanks!
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