The
Celiac profile by genova Diagnostics
aids in determining the presence of
Celiac disease. Celiac Disesase is
defined as a genetic, immune mediated
enteropathy of the small bowel that
results in malabsorption. The disease
is characterized by sensitivity to
the proteins found in wheat, and to
a lesser extent, barley and rye. The
National Institutes of Health reported
in August of 2004 that the prevalence
of Celiac Disease is much greater than
previous estimates, possibly affecting
as many as 3 million Americans, indicating
that the disease is widely under recognized.
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Who should be tested for Celiac Disease?
The clinical presentation of celiac  disease
has many faces and, as a consequence, the disease is often misdiagnosed.
In fact, the average time from disease to diagnosis is 11 years.
Those afflicted may have classic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
or may only exhibit extra-intestinal manifestations.
Even
in absence of overt GI complaints, avoidance of gluten is imperative
owing to the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies associated
with celiac disease. Clinicians should therefore consider routine
screening for patients with the following clinical indications:
Typical
Celiac Indications:
Chronic diarrhea
Malabsorption
Abdominal distention
Unexplained weight loss
Atypical Celiac Indications
Type 1 diabetes
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Chronic fatigue
Autoimmune disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dermatitis herpeteformis
Behavioral Changes
Irritable bowel syndrome
Infertility/Miscarriage
Neurological symptoms
Other
high risk groups include: first degree relatives, siblings and those
with Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency.
Diagnosing
Celiac Disease
Patients with celiac disease are 10-15 times more likely to have
IgA deficiency. Testing for total IgA increases the diagnostic accuracy
by ruling out false negative results in this cohort. IgA-tTG (Anti-Tissue
Transglutaminase) and IgG-tTG enzymes are highly sensitive markers
for identifying celiac disease. When IgA-tTG is positive, testing
for IgA-Anti-endomysial Antibodies (IgA-EMA) is routinely performed.
This further enhances the accuracy of the profile, and helps identify
those with silent and latent forms of the disease.
Clinicians also have the option of testing two additional analytes;
- IgA Anti-gliadin Antibodies (IgA-AGA)
- IgG Anti-gliadin antibodies (IgG-AGA)
These antibodies can be performed as part of the initial diagnostic
evaluation, or on their own to monitor compliance to a gluten free
diet.
Treating
Celiac Disease
Treatment requires life-long abstinence of gluten containing foods.
With the need for such a restrictive diet, it is important to accurately
determine who has the condition. The Celiac Profile from Genova
Diagnostics incorporates the most advanced non-invasive markers
along with traditional serological tests.
Call to
set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and
a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient
supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L. Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20
years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and
providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal
itself if given the proper nutrients. |
