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Wed, 17 May 1995 23:08:08 -0400 |
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<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
Dr. Horvath,
I saw your recent note on the use of serological tests in
celiac disease in this mailing list. I am interested in your
thoughts and input on my situation.
I have just been diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformes. My
questions are as follows:
(1) Should I see my GI for diagnosis as to celiac? I have no
symptoms of celiac, so far as I know (i.e., no stomach problems
of any kind).
(2) If I do set up an appointment with my GI, what diagnostic
tests should I expect if he is competent to diagnose this
rather rare disease?
(3) If celiac is diagnosed, what is the treatment? I assume
that it is a gluten free diet, which is the recommended
treatment for DH (along with dapsone therapy). If I simply go
on a gluten free diet but do not go through the diagnostic
procedures to confirm celiac, what additional risks am I
running?
(4) If I do not have the specific diagnostic tests for celiac
and continue on a gluten free diet, what symptoms could arise
which would lead me to conclude that I may have celiac disease
requiring some treatment other than the GF diet?
(5) If I elect to, or cannot, stay on the gluten free diet,
what is the risk assuming that I do have celiac disease? I
have seen the literature reflecting an increased risk of cancer
(6-8% are the figures that I have seen), but what other
risks/problems occur with celiac disease?
Thank you very much for any help in answering these questions
for me.
Regards,
Paul
--
Paul Sinclair
[log in to unmask]
Richmond, Virginia
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