IGA deficiency

[Jadeashlyn]

Hi, long journey for my 4yo. Initial investigations were negative tTGA. But drs still couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t absorbing iron, nutrient deficiencies despite a great diet. Recent test shows she is severely IGA deficient. Also positive for one of the gene mutations for celiac. I’ve now learned that being IGA deficient can easily cause false negatives of normal screens. I looked back through tests and saw that her EMA was 10 which is exactly the borderline cut off for being positive. 
 

But because it was not flagged and right on the cusp of positive no one asked to follow up. I’ve made an appt anyway. What is the next step in having her tested since she is IGA deficient as well as genetic positive and her EMA was so borderline? 

[RMJ]

Celiac tests can look at either IgA and IgG antibodies.  If she is IgA deficient she should have the IgG tests.  Can you post the full names of the tests that she has had? Sometimes only the IgA tests are run.

[trents]

Good advice from RMJ. There is also the option of putting her on a strict gluten free diet and see if the symptoms improve. It is also common for celiacs to be dairy intolerant, either to the lactose or the casein in dairy.

Edited February 5, 2024 by trents

[Scott Adams]

Some people are naturally IGA deficient, and if this is the case, then certain blood tests for celiac disease might be false-negative, and other types of tests need to be done to make an accurate diagnosis. The article includes the "Mayo Clinic Protocol," which is the best overall protocol for results to be ~98% accurate.

 

 

[knitty kitty]

Anemia and Thiamine insufficiency can cause poor antibody production.  Ask for an Erythrocyte Transketolase test to check thiamine level.  

Which nutrients is she deficient in?  Are those deficiencies being corrected?