What Do Test Results Mean?

[marys2012]

I recently got a Celiac Disease Complete Panel. I cannot get a response from my doctor as to these results. One result came back as high. Could someone please tell me what it means? I will post all the results in case that is needed.

Celiac Disease Complete Panel:

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum 218 mg/dL reference interval 70-400

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA 76 High units (>30 is moderate to strong positive)

Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgG 3 units 0-19 reference interval

t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA <2 U/mL 0-3 reference interval

Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG)has been identified as the endomusial antigen. Studies have demonstrated that endomysial IgA antibodies have over 99% specificity for gluten sensitive enteropathy.

t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgG <2 U/mL 0-5 reference interval

I am wondering what the High Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA means? Thank-you for any help.

[Type1CDE]

I just got mine back and had the same high lab as you- mine was >100. /: I am assuming from what I've been reading that it is some sort of immune response to gluten...just not sure of the nature (celiac disease or not). I requested some more tests and my NP obliged so I had the IgG labs drawn today...my total IgA was only 106- "normal" by the labs but compared to average adults it is low so I thought I'd better get the IgG labs too...thanks in part to the other members who suggested that (:

I guess I am of no real help b/c I am still trying to figure out exactly what it means too...(; Nice to know you aren't along though, huh? Do you have a follow up appt soon?

[mushroom]

All put together, these are the celiac panel tests:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgA and IgG

Total Serum IgA

The first two are the older generic-type tests not relied upon much any more. The Anti Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) is the all-time favorite of doctors; although this test can be positive in conditions other than celiac disease. If this test is positive and you subsequently run the Anti-Endomysial (EMA) and that is positive, then the two tests together confirm celiac (the EMA is not run automatically (because it's expensive) if the tTG is negative). The Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) is the newest of the celiac tests and has a 99% specificity for celiac disease. If this test is high, it pretty much means you have celiac disease. Nevertheless, most doctors (especially the GI's) still like to do the endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The last test, total serum IgA, is a control test to make sure you produce normal amounts of IgA antibodies. If you fall within the normal range it validates the results of the other tests. If the IgA versions of the tests are invalidated by a low total IgA, and your results are negative, then they run the IgG tests. You both had normal total lgA. In mary's case they went ahead and ran both IgA and IgG versions of the tests.

I believe you can both anticipate notification from your doctors that you are celiac positive, and will probably be referred to a gastroenterologist (if that was not the person who did the testing) for an upper endoscopy with biopsy.

[marys2012]

I really appreciate the responses. Honestly, Mushroom, your wonderful explanation was a little over my head. I apologize if I sound ignorant. But atleast I got a possible answer. I meet with my doctor again on Wednesday to see what he says. Thank-you for the information. I'm sure I will continue trying to dissect it throughout the weekend! I may post again on this site if I have further questions. Again, thank-you. This is a bit scary for me but I would be very happy if I felt better.

[Skylark]

It means you need a biopsy. DGP-IgA, your positive test, indicates celiac most of the time but not always. There is a little question in your case because all the other tests are negative. Sometimes people with only DGP-IgA have no damage when the biopsy is done. That's probably why your doctor hasn't commented and referred you to a GI.

Your immune system is recognizing gluten and even if your doctor decides you don't have celiac right now, you would be at serious risk for getting it. Once you have your biopsy you should try gluten-free. I bet it will help you feel better.

[marys2012]

Thank-you Skylark!