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On Fri, 5 May 1995 [log in to unmask] wrote:

> I understood from a gastrointerologist that one should periodically perform
> a "gluten challenge" presumably because it is possible to "grow out of it"
> being CD.  Does anyone have more info on this?

Celiac disease is a permanent (lifelong) condition which affects
genetically predisposed individuals who are exposed to gluten and related
products from rye, barley and oats. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed
there is absolutely no indication for periodically undertaking a gluten
challenge. It is well known that patients with celiac disease who start
ingesting gluten again after having been on a gluten free diet may go for
years without apparently having any symptoms. Despite this there will be
ongoing histological damage to the intestines. It was this apparent
prolonged symptom free state that led doctors in the past to believe that
people could "grow out" out of the condition. This is no longer accepted
as correct.

Ivor D. Hill
Professor of Pediatrics
Clinical Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology
University of Maryland School of Medicine