Antibody testing for celiac improves diagnosis

The advent of antibody testing to diagnose celiac disease has led to a substantial increase in the number of cases detected among children, according to a study in the December issue of Pediatrics. These tests have allowed more and more people who have "atypical" celiac symptoms to be referred for definitive testing with an intestinal biopsy -- where a small piece of tissue is removed from the small intestine to check for damage to the villi.

The study's researchers say that blood testing for celiac disease should be performed when a child has chronic gastrointestinal symptoms of any kind that do not improve on their own or respond to treatment. Testing might also be appropriate for children with a family history or celiac-associated medical conditions. He also stressed that the antibody blood tests are only a screening procedure and do not provide a definitive diagnosis. A positive test result, needs to be followed up by an intestinal biopsy. This is important, Butzner explained, because the treatment for celiac disease is to go on a lifelong gluten-free diet. While effective at easing symptoms and healing and preventing intestinal damage, the diet can also be expensive and challenging to follow.

Bonnie - unfortunately, the researchers left out what is still considered the gold standard for assessing whether gluten causes digestive or other health problems: a two month removal even if celiac. If gluten makes you feel bad, avoid it! and reintroduction challenge.