Please Help Interpret My Daughter's Test Results

[MacFanBoy03054]

We've been struggling with intestinal and neurological issues with our Daughter for years. I recently met someone who suggested we have her tested for gluten intolerance. After reading about Celiac and all the symptoms associated with it, we really started to feel like this may be the answer to a lot of her problems. After discussing it with her Pediatrician, the following tests were run:

Test Immunoglobulin A - IGA: 75

Reference Range: 45-285 unit mg/dl

Test transglutam AB IGA: 7.0

Reference: < 20

My wife and I really have no idea what these numbers mean despite hours of trying to find out what the "normal" range is. We certainly don't mind digging into the details, but it's hard to do that when you really just want to know if we're even on the right track. We're also considering going back to her Gastro Specialist instead of her Pediatrician to help with the diagnosis.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[cruelshoes]

I am so sorry your daughter is having trouble. The blood tests for celiac consist of the following:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level

You have posted results of 2 of the tests:

Test Immunoglobulin A - IGA: 75

Reference Range: 45-285 unit mg/dl

This one is her total IGA score. Her score is in the normal range of 45 and 285 according to the reference range the lab uses. This means she is not IGA deficient and other IGA results can help assist in making a diagnosis. If her number were below 45 (according to that lab's ranges) she would be considered IGA deficient and the doctor would have to rely on IGG results.

Test transglutam AB IGA: 7.0

Reference: < 20

This is the tTG (Tissue Transglutaminase antibody) IGA result. According to the lab reference ranges, anything below 20 is considered negative. Did they run the other bloodwork tests?

Each lab uses different reference ranges for the results, so that is why you are having trouble locating anything online that says what is normal. In the strictest sense, the test results you posted are negative. You didn't mention how old your daughter is. In the very young, bloodwork results are not terribly accurate. There are many people who also have negative bloodwork results but do have celiac or gluten intollerance. Just one of the great things about trying to figure out what is going on. The bloodwork is not perfect.

If it were me, I would ask for a referral to the pediatric GI. You also have the option of trying a gluten-free diet on her to see if you get results. However, in order for tests (bloodwork and biopsy) to be accurate, she must be consuming gluten. Removing gluten before completing testing can skew the results. If you really want to push for a diagnosis, don't remove gluten fron her diet now.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.