Iga Deficiency....does This Mean Anything?

[klo289]

I am diagnosed as having IBS and have struggled with gastro problems for a long time. I've been considering going to see my doctor to ask about the possibility of celiac. I recently had allergy testing done and was told that I am IgA deficient. He is running more blood work to look at my immunity levels better. I'm a bit confused about how IgA levels relate to celiac testing. Is the fact that my levels are low, a good reason to contact my gastro? Thanks.

[WheatChef]

If you have an IgA deficiency then any IgA type tests will give you invalid results. This means tests such as Tissue Transglutaminase-IgA and deamidated gliadin-IgA tests will naturally give you lower than normal levels results in a much higher possibility of a false negative. Alternatively IgG tests can be performed.

[klo289]

If you have an IgA deficiency then any IgA type tests will give you invalid results. This means tests such as Tissue Transglutaminase-IgA and deamidated gliadin-IgA tests will naturally give you lower than normal levels results in a much higher possibility of a false negative. Alternatively IgG tests can be performed.

So, if my IgG levels were normal, then celiac isn't a possibility?

[psawyer]

So, if my IgG levels were normal, then celiac isn't a possibility?

False negatives are relatively common, which is why it is normal to run several tests. A low IgA overall means the immune system is not functioning at a normal level overall. That could also affect IgG levels as well.

[mommida]

I have read some statistics that say 30% of Celiacs are Iga deficient.

It is a good thing you know this before your testing. You now know that one of the tests usually run, will show up with a very low level. In your case, the Iga showing a low level can NOT exclude you from Celiac.

[Skylark]

So, if my IgG levels were normal, then celiac isn't a possibility?

IgA/IgG levels only address the way your immune system works overall. The IgA deficiency means they have to use different tests for celiac. Your body would make IgG against gliadin rather than IgA like someone who is not IgA deficient.