coeliac tests- biopsy

[mauricemossmylove]

can anyone tell me if a biopsy is always required for confirmation of diagnosis. DC had bloods taken by GP which strongly suggest CD, and they have referred to gastroenterology, however DC is autistic and won't cope with endoscopy (they barely cope with any medical examination after a previous traumatic incident after surgery)

thanks

Speak to Coeliac U.K., they have a great helpline. My understanding is that biopsy not always necessary for children (I mix in coeliac circles though I have a wheat allergy not CD!).

Would the hospital offer more sedation or even GA due to additional needs?

It depends but not always. My dc had to have it due to severity of symptoms. Dc is also autistic and had a bad experience in theatre. Has probably had about 20 endoscopy plus a few other gastrointestinal procedures since and is given sedation on ward and then mask in theatre rather than a canula first. Also certain adaptions such as first on list so no waiting around.
Dc2 is also autistic and has had about 8 operations after theatre recovery they take her straight to a sensory room which helps.
I'd speak to the consultant and anesthetist but also the play specialists are great.

I was diagnosed without an endoscopy, I only had the blood test. My doctor said that was because my antibodies were so extremely high that there was no point in sending me for one, when it was quite clear I was coeliac. They were like 297 or something, when the threshold for diagnosing coeliac disease is way lower. If the blood results are way beyond borderline I wouldn't see why you'd need an endoscopy. Going gluten-free is your treatment for your intestines.

For children, if the blood test is positive (rather than borderline), they don't need a biopsy

thanks everyone

Same with my dd - diagnosed through bloods alone.