Blood Test Results

[charlie76]

Hi all, 

 

I'm trying to understand my blood test results from a couple of years ago. I'm in Australia.

 

The results are as follows:

 

Coeliac Serology

Gliadin IgA Abs     * 47  U/mL    ( 0 - 20 )

tTG IgA/IgG         * 52  U/mL    ( 0 - 20 )

 

Since the blood test I have been gluten free and feeling so much better. I did have a biopsy after the blood work, but it was clear. This could have been because I was at the time of testing (and had been for some time) on a low gluten diet (although, not totally gluten free).

 

Without going into the full story, my new gastroenterology doctor wants me to have the biopsy again now, and wants me back on a gluten diet for 4 to 6 weeks before the biopsy (I'm 1 week in now and feeling quite unwell at times).

 

I really don't know if it's worth it, but I've started back on the gluten now so I guess I'm committed.

 

Anyway, if anyone could help me understand the results above I'd be very grateful.

 

Thanks...!

 

 

 

[nvsmom]

Welcome to the board. 

 

The anti-tissue transglutiminase antibodies (tTG IgA or tTG IgG) are pretty specific to celiac disease. A positive result indicates that your body is attempting to do damage to your intestines in resposnse to gliadin. Your immune system is attempting to do damage to your intestinal villi but that damage isn't necessarily uniform - it could be spotty. It's also possible that your body is doing a good job of healing itself after every episode of damage, so it could have made it difficult for the doctors to find damage during an endoscopy... it really is not that uncommon around here for one to have positive test results and a negative biopsy, or vice versa.

 

The other test you had is probably the anti-gliadin antibodies test (AGA IgA or AGA IgG) which is actually the only celiac test that does not indicate damage is happening to the intestinal villi (unlike the tTG's, DGP's, and EMA). A positive AGA is shows a sensitivity to gliadin (gluten) and is thought by some to be a test that works for both celiac disease and the more common  non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) when no villi damage is occurring.

 

Basically, you have tests that say you are sensitive to gluten and that you are experiencing intestinal damage (or attempted damage at the very least). Occassionally, a tTG positive result can be caused by chronic liver disease, thyroiditis, crohn's or colitis, but because you know you have a problem with gluten (via a positive AGA and a positive response to the gluten-free diet), I would say that it's pretty likey that you have celiac disease ... But I'm not medically trained, I've just done a bunch of reading and research. Usually if the tTG is barely above normal if it is caused by the previously mentioned reasons.

 

This report goes into some detail about the tests on pages 10-12. The rest of the report is an interesting read too.

Open Original Shared Link

 

Whatever the biopsy says, I would suggest going back to the gluten-free diet for life. i think you have celiac disease, and it was working for you, so I would stick with it.

 

Best wishes.

[charlie76]

Thanks for your reply, Nicole. It was very helpful.    And It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one in this position.

 

Only 4 more weeks until my biopsy and I can't wait so I can go back to gluten-free again. The symptoms I'm getting in addition to gastrointestinal problems include headaches, feeling slightly nauseous when I wake, sleeplessness, brain fog, tiredness, irritability, tingling in my face and feet. I'm seeing my regular doctor tomorrow so I'll see what he thinks. Maybe we'll agree it's not worth putting my body through this for 4 more weeks!    

[nvsmom]

You're having pretty common symptoms, and nasty ones. Some doctors think two weeks is enough for a biopsy. Perhaps discus a shorter gluten trial, or going gluten light (one serving of gluten before bed) until two weeks before your test, with your doctor. You don't want to feel lousy all summer...of course, a gluten trial means you can drink beer. Lol