Celiac Disease Comprehensive

[LeahP4587]

I received the following test results:

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA - 58 (High)
Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgG - 168 (High)
t-Transglutaminase (tTg) IgA - 27 (High)
t-Transglutaminase (tTg) IgG - 7 (High)
Endomysial Antibody IgA - Positive

I was referred to a GI doctor due to iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin of 9.6 and ferritin level of 4). I've been on oral iron for almost 5 months and my hemoglobin is back into normal range and my ferritin level is going up. I have an endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled in November, and my GI doctor stated they'll take a biopsy for celiac. From the research I've done online, it seems like it is pretty certain that I have celiac - I just wanted to see if anyone had any insight or thoughts regarding my test results.

Thank you!

[trents]

Leah, it would have been more helpful if you had posted the negative vs. positive reference ranges so we could see how high "high" is in relation to normal range. What you probably don't know is that different labs use different reference ranges and that there is no industry standard for this.

Having said that, you are positive for every celiac antibody known to humanity. Plus, your low iron levels are a classic symptom of celiac disease. There is no doubt in my mind that you have celiac disease but you must not pull back from eating regular amounts of gluten until your endoscopy/biopsy in November. If you cut back or eliminate gluten before then you risk invalidating the biopsy results.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

Edited October 24, 2022 by trents

[LeahP4587]

7 minutes ago, trents said:

Leah, it would have been more helpful if you had posted the negative vs. positive reference ranges so we could see how high "high" is in relation to normal range. What you probably don't know is that different labs use different reference ranges and that there is no industry standard for this.

Having said that, you are positive for every celiac antibody known to humanity. Plus, your low iron levels are a classic symptom of celiac disease. There is no doubt in my mind that you have celiac disease but you must not pull back from eating regular amounts of gluten until your endoscopy/biopsy in November. If you cut back or eliminate gluten before then you risk invalidating the biopsy results.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

My apologies! Here are the reference ranges...

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA - 58 (High) -- Negative: 0-19, Weak Positive: 20-30, Moderate to Strong Positive: >30
Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgG - 168 (High) -- Negative: 0-19, Weak Positive: 20-30, Moderate to Strong Positive: >30
t-Transglutaminase (tTg) IgA - 27 (High) -- Negative: 0-3, Weak Positive: 4-10, Positive: >10
t-Transglutaminase (tTg) IgG - 7 (High) -- Negative: 0-5, Weak Positive: 6-9, Positive: >9
Endomysial Antibody IgA - Positive -- Negative

Thank you for the quick response! That is what my GI doctor said, as well - Continue to eat gluten until the biopsy...

[Scott Adams]

Your results look strongly positive for celiac disease, and after your biopsy you'll likely need to go on a gluten-free diet:

Please let us know how it turns out!

[trents]

Thanks for the additional info. All the antibody tests are unequivocally positive except the tTG-IGG. When the Endomysial Antibody IGA (aka, EMA) is positive that is almost a guarantee that you have celiac disease since it is very specific for celiac disease while being relatively insensitive.

Do you have symptoms besides those that were related to the anemia? It is a good sign that you were able to get your iron levels back up into normal range with iron supplementation. That probably rules out pernicious anemia and suggests that the damage to the small bowel villi is not yet severe.

[LeahP4587]

On 10/24/2022 at 3:00 PM, Scott Adams said:

Your results look strongly positive for celiac disease, and after your biopsy you'll likely need to go on a gluten-free diet:

Please let us know how it turns out!

Thank you, Scott! I appreciate the support!

Leah

[LeahP4587]

On 10/24/2022 at 3:01 PM, trents said:

Thanks for the additional info. All the antibody tests are unequivocally positive except the tTG-IGG. When the Endomysial Antibody IGA (aka, EMA) is positive that is almost a guarantee that you have celiac disease since it is very specific for celiac disease while being relatively insensitive.

Do you have symptoms besides those that were related to the anemia? It is a good sign that you were able to get your iron levels back up into normal range with iron supplementation. That probably rules out pernicious anemia and suggests that the damage to the small bowel villi is not yet severe.

Thank you for the insight! Another of my tests just came back - My pancreatic elastase is moderately low. I have had stomach issues for a long time (years), as well as fatigue. I always assumed it was due to my poor diet and being overweight. I never had it investigated further - I assumed doctors would tell me to eat a healthier diet and lose weight. It is a bit nerve wracking to continue to consume gluten until my endoscopy, know it is damaging my body. I never thought I would be looking forward to having an endoscopy haha.

Leah

[RMJ]

1 hour ago, LeahP4587 said:

It is a bit nerve wracking to continue to consume gluten until my endoscopy, know it is damaging my body. I never thought I would be looking forward to having an endoscopy haha.

Perhaps enjoy your favorite gluten-containing foods now because it is extremely likely you’ll be diagnosed with celiac disease and need to go gluten free after your endoscopy!