Celiac Diagnosis - bloodwork showed positive test results, is a biopsy worth it?

[Alex-524]

Hello, I have a broken bone that has not healed over 7 months and my doctor is looking into a celiac diagnosis. Would greatly appreciate help interpreting test results/diagnosis process.

My test results were:
Tissue transglutaminase Ab IgA: HI (positive): 60.9, reference range: <12 U/mL
Deamidated gliadin peptide Ab IgG: HI (positive): 16.8, reference range: <12U/mL

Given both results were positive, is it worth it to do a biospy or is it very likely that I am Celiac? Hoping to avoid a biopsy if unnecessary, but dont want to transition to a gluten free diet if I will need to do a biopsy.

Appreciate any help as I try and navigate this!!

[ravenwoodglass]

Welcome to the board. Your results are quite high. If the idea of staying on gluten for a biopsy is not something you want to do you could go strictly gluten free and then have your doctor recheck your antibodies after a few months. Be aware that damage can be patchy so you would need a good strict trial of the diet even if the biopsy comes back negative.  Whether you do a biopsy or not it would be a good idea to get your vitamin levels tested. There is a bit of a learning curve to being gluten free and it can take a while to heal and there are many knowledgeable folks here to help you in the process. I hope you are feeing better soon.

[ravenwoodglass]

Forgot to mention that with slow bone healing do ask your doctor to do a bone scan to check for osteopenia or osteoporisis. Bone loss can be found in celiacs and may resolve on its own with supplementation and weight bearing excercise for us.

[GFinDC]

You have 2 positive antibody results, so most likely do have celiac disease.  Ravenwood is right, it would be good for you to get your vitamin and mineral levels tested.  Unfortunately, many people with celiac can't tolerate milk/dairy at first.  So it's important to get a calcium supplement like calcium citrate.  Some of the calcium citrate supplements have vitamin D in them also, which is good for bones.   Boron is also important for bone health.  A mineral supplement is probably a good idea.

[Alex-524]

Thank you both for your help, really appreciate the insight!!!

[GodsGal]

1 hour ago, Alex_524 said:

Thank you both for your help, really appreciate the insight!!!

I would suggest that you follow up with your doctor about whether or not you need the biopsy before cutting gluten out of your diet.