Another new study shows just how flawed the biopsy and serum markers are at confirming a diagnosis.
RESULTS: Celiac disease was detected primarily in first-degree relatives and patients with autoimmune disorders (40.6%). A gluten-free diet was prescribed to 20/106 patients because of symptoms, which were relieved in only 11. Eighty-nine of the 106 patients entered the follow up study, with normal daily consumption of gluten. During the follow up antibodies disappeared in 14.6% and fluctuated in 32.6%. Villous atrophy was observed in 12/39 (30.8%) patients that underwent a repeat biopsy.
Most children with potential celiac disease remain healthy. After 3 years, approximately 33% of patients develop villous atrophy.
4 Responses
At 84 years of age, I question how far and how much I should invest in trying to get properly diagnosed why don’t I just do away with all grains?
I was off gluten for 5 months, well I was just beginning to understand what all has gluten so I was off obvious gluten. It helped a great deal. Then I was tested and the test was negative for Celiac, but the doc said I was gluten intolerant.
I read I was supposed to be on gluten to test properly, but decided I was never going to do that to my body again. So I’ve stayed off gluten, learned more about what has gluten in it, and finally removed all flours.
I’ve dropped 20 pounds in 3 months, and my bloating and abdominal pain are gone. I’m not going back for any test.
But is the DNA test really that accurate? My daughter is very gluten intolerant, yet doesn’t have the ‘Celiac Genes’. It has long been known that you can have full blown Celiac without the so-called celiac genes.
In other countries they’ve identified OTHER Celiac genes, in addition to the ones recognized in North America.
I say the only reliable test is an elimination diet.
Hi Ursula,
You are correct in knowing that their are other gene markers linked to gluten sensitivity. That is the type of genetic testing that Gluten Free Society Performs.
All the best