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Follow up on my son....high IGA

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Fbmb Rising Star
Fbmb
Posted

Hi all,

my little guy had his labs done a few days ago because he's been gluten free for a year. We had his pediatrician draw his labs last year when I was diagnosed, but this time his gastro. ordered the labs she wanted which included an immunoglobulin IGA test. The result was high. The reference range from the lab (for his age, 4) tops out at 152 and his number came back at 204. I haven't received his other celiac numbers yet. 

I don't know what this means. Are the IGA tests always elevated with celiac? He had a bad cold when he went to have this done (a nasty cough, and croup) so I don't know if that affected it since he was sick. I'm worried. And since I don't know about too much IGA I don't understand. I hear people talk about deficiency in this but don't know much about it being elevated. Do you have any thoughts or information? 

Last year they did a full thyroid panel when he was diagnosed and his thyroid was fine. He has been doing so well since getting off gluten. I am kind of beside myself. But I'm also trying to stay rational about it. Maybe him being sick screwed it up? I don't know :( 

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kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I'm not sure exactly what test this is.  If it is just the one to see if he produces enough IGA for a Celiac test, then being high might mean nothing or be related to something else.

Fbmb Rising Star
Fbmb
Posted
  • Author
Just now, kareng said:

I'm not sure exactly what test this is.  If it is just the one to see if he produces enough IGA for a Celiac test, then being high might mean nothing or be related to something else.

I assume that's what it is because she ordered a TTG IGA too. This said "immunoglobulin a" and the other one hasn't come back yet. Last year they didn't do the IGA by itself so I have nothing to compare it to. But online it says it's an antibody produced by mucus membranes, and since he had an upper respiratory virus when it was drawn I'm wondering if that's what caused an elevation? I just didn't know if people might have some insight. 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Do not worry.  Immunoglobulin A (IgA) can be elevated for many reasons (like infection and autoimmune).  Mine is always high (over 700) and has yet to change.  My doctors assume that it is due to allergies, Hashimoto’s and celiac disease.  My PCP tells me that it is not good, but what can I do?  It is not like I can control my allergies much or my Hashimoto’s.  I can reduce inflammation by eating gluten free.  That has helped my thyroid.  No more nodules or enlargement.  No more swings.  

My Immunoglobulin A was last checked after a glutening, tooth infection and a bout of daily hives for six months, if I recall.  My DGP IgA was also elevated.    I was an inflammation mess.  

Fbmb Rising Star
Fbmb
Posted
  • Author
7 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

Do not worry.  Immunoglobulin A (IgA) can be elevated for many reasons (like infection and autoimmune).  Mine is always high (over 700) and has yet to change.  My doctors assume that it is due to allergies, Hashimoto’s and celiac disease.  My PCP tells me that it is not good, but what can I do?  It is not like I can control my allergies much or my Hashimoto’s.  I can reduce inflammation by eating gluten free.  That has helped my thyroid.  No more nodules or enlargement.  No more swings.  

My Immunoglobulin A was last checked after a glutening, tooth infection and a bout of daily hives for six months, if I recall.  My DGP IgA was also elevated.    I was an inflammation mess.  

Oh goodness. You're healthy and diligent so that makes me feel better. 

His TTG came back and is 3, normal. So that's a huge relief. 

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