Odd Test Results

[Mmartin4444]

Hi everyone. I’m hoping to get some insight on test results that have me a bit confused. I was diagnosed with Celiac in June of 2021. Since then, I have followed a strict gluten free diet and have seen improvements with my levels but my IgA levels are still slightly elevated (6.3U/mL down from 6.6U/mL in February 2022 and 19.4U/mL at diagnosis in June 2021) and my doctor would like my number under 4U/mL. On a bright note my IgG levels are in the normal range at 1.9U/mL and have been in the negative reference range since diagnosis. Why I’m confused is because I can’t find any information about a Celiac diagnosis with a positive IgA but a negative IgG. I have found plenty of information about the opposite but it seems that my IgG levels should be higher if I’m still testing in the positive range for IgA. Can elevated IgA levels be indicative of anything else? This is all still new to me and lab results seem difficult to decipher. My doctor just said that the levels are only slightly elevated and they aren't concerned about it but I would really like to bring them down before 4U/mL. Thank you!

[Mmartin4444]

3 hours ago, Mmartin4444 said:

Hi everyone. I’m hoping to get some insight on test results that have me a bit confused. I was diagnosed with Celiac in June of 2021. Since then, I have followed a strict gluten free diet and have seen improvements with my levels but my IgA levels are still slightly elevated (6.3U/mL down from 6.6U/mL in February 2022 and 19.4U/mL at diagnosis in June 2021) and my doctor would like my number under 4U/mL. On a bright note my IgG levels are in the normal range at 1.9U/mL and have been in the negative reference range since diagnosis. Why I’m confused is because I can’t find any information about a Celiac diagnosis with a positive IgA but a negative IgG. I have found plenty of information about the opposite but it seems that my IgG levels should be higher if I’m still testing in the positive range for IgA. Can elevated IgA levels be indicative of anything else? This is all still new to me and lab results seem difficult to decipher. My doctor just said that the levels are only slightly elevated and they aren't concerned about it but I would really like to bring them down before 4U/mL. Thank you!

I should add that these are TTG IgA and IgG levels. 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Mmartin4444!

You neglected to post what reference range was used by the lab to distinguish between normal and positive tTG-IGA levels. There is no industry standard for this and each lab uses there own reference ranges.

Yes, there are some things besides celiac disease that can cause elevated tTG-IGA. Some other medical conditions can and some meds can. CMP (Cow's Milk Protein) can for some people. Gluten free oats can for some celiacs. Have you googled this question? This might get you started: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587842/#!po=13.7097

[Scott Adams]

This is an older article, but still accurate for the tests it discusses: