Test Questions?

[suzyks]

My DD is 12 and I just received her results from the Dr today. I am a bit confused over one of the numbers. If someone could clear it up a bit it would be nice.

IgA Quantitative: 123 (77-360 is the range)

Not sure what that means? Her Endomysial Antibody test came up positive though, can read that one loud and clear! I have not talked to a Dr yet, I will next month. They are sending her to a GI in three weeks, but that seems like a life time since she is feeling lousy. Was thinking of calling them and asking if I could take her off the gluten BEFORE the appointment even though they want me to wait. Do they like to do more testing?

Any thoughts would be helpful. This is all new to me.

Thanks

Suzy

[cruelshoes]

The celiac bloodwork panel consists of 5 tests, some of which are IgA antibodies, and some of which are IgG. You have posted the total IgA result. This test measures your daughter's ability to make IgA antibodies. A small number of people do not produce this type of antibody - it's known as IgA deficiency. If the total IgA is below the reference range, it shows that the other IgA results will be skewed and the doctor has to rely on IgG antibody tests.

The EMA test is nearly 100% specific to celiac, so if that number came up positive, it's definitely a red flag, if not a clear indicator.

Most GI doctors want to confirm the diagnosis with the biopsy. It's up to you how far you want to go. If you want to pursue a biopsy, your daughter needs to keep eating gluten until it is over. Otherwise you run the risk of healing up enough to get a false negative. I would not skip this step if it were my child, especially one who is on the cusp of teenagerdom. It can help remove doubts and may help her remain 100% true to the diet. A definite diagnosis also makes it easier to deal with the schools if you decide to pursue a 504 plan.

Good luck with whateve path you choose