Category: Follow-Up

1. What tests should ideally be performed after diagnosis?
2. Why are the follow-up tests important?

1. What tests should ideally be performed after diagnosis?
   
   Full blood count
   Thyroid check
   Diabetes
   Vitamin B12
   Serrum ferritin - measures iron stored in the body
   Calcium levels
   Liver function
   Kidney readings
   Folate levels
   DEXA bone scan
   
   It's a good idea to have the following tests done a few months after going gluten-free to ensure that the tests are negative and the gluten-free diet is working for you...
   
   Endomysial antibodies (EmA)
   IgA gliadin antibodies
   IgG gliadin antibodies
   Tissue transglutimase (tTg)
   
   It's probably unusual to get all these tests done at once but they are worth bearing in mind.
   
   (Source - Forum Contributors)
   
   
   
   
2. Why are the follow-up tests important?
   
   Checks for thyroid and diabetes should be performed from time-to-time (ideally, at least once a year) because CD/DH sufferers are prone to other autoimmune diseases and, in particular, if they don't keep to a strict diet.
   
   It's not unusual to be anaemic at the time of diagnosis because of malabsorption of nutrients and sometimes coeliacs are lacking in calcium and vitamins too. In theory, in time these problems should settle down if the diet is strict but iron supplements, etc. might be prescribed in the meantime.
   
   The liver and kidneys are more susceptible when taking dapsone but they also need checking because complications are linked to CD.
   
   The CD bloods don't necessarily need redoing once you and your doctor are satisfied that the diet is working. This could be checked with a follow-up intestinal biopsy if symptoms persist.
   
   A bone scan should ideally be performed to check for osteoporosis/osteopenia, especially if you suspect that CD has been missed for a long period of time. If the scan proves you are osteopenic etc. then maybe it's a good idea to take calcium supplements, drink milk, etc. and do weight bearing exercise and have another scan a couple of years later to see if there's any improvement.
   
   (Source - Forum Contributors)