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I guess I need to explain in a little more detail why I was considering a
gluten challenge for my son. Since his diagnosis, 3 other Dr's have
questioned the CD diagnosis (because it's so rare in such a young baby).
So, in doing some research, I found some things that I thought were
questionable in his biopsy report (in bold below). I'll share it with
you, so you can shed some light if you want:

"The colon, esophagus, and gastric biopsies are all within normal limits.
The small-intestinal biopsy in contrast, demonstrates an abnormal crypt
to villous ratio. There is partial surface flattening. There is crypt
hyperplasia. The biopsy is of duodenal origin given the presence of
Brunner's glands. Despite the flattening, intraepithelial lymphocytosis
is not prominent. There are no infectious organisms identified. With
these findings, coupled with the clinical history, clinical correlation
regarding the exclusion of celiac sprue is suggested. Perhaps serological
studies or a gluten-free diet trial are warranted. Some forms of
"autoimmune enteropathy" or soy protein allergy could also simulate
gluten enteropathy."

From what I've been told, lymphocytosis WOULD be prominent w/ CD.
However, we did have him RAST tested for milk and soy- to which he tested
completely negative. So, because I didn't know better at the time, we
didn't do a blood test to confirm CD- we just did a GF trial, which
brought great improvements to his symptoms. Now, with so many people
questioning it, I thought about the gluten challenge to confirm that we
have the right diagnosis.

However, at this point- with him being so young, I just can't put him
through that. I don't see any harm in keeping him GF for the next few
years and at that point rethinking the challenge. Clearly, SOMETHING has
damaged his small intestine- the question is "what?"

Thanks for all of your info and input. This list is a great resource.

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *