Celiac Test Done: High Iga And Igm Levels: Is This Precursor To ...

[Astrongtower]

Last year I went to a Doctor for Low Testosterone. Only because I thought I had low testosterone. I told him that I was not feeling on top of my game and that my dad had celiac.

 

Well he order a complete panel of like everything. The lab bill was like 1500.00 dollars. Covered by insurance thankfully.

 

Everything turned out fine and I did not have low testosterone.

 

Except I had an elevated IGA levels. He was perplexed by this and had me see a Hematologist immediately.

 

I did not know these Doctors usually work at the Cancer centers so when I called I kind of freaked out and started to think I had cancer.

 

In any rate the Hematologist looked at me after seeing my results and just look at me like I was dumb and why am I not all enjoying my life and why are you acting like all Hypochondriac like. I was kind of offended but I did not say anything.

 

So far I have had like 5 complete blood work tests done. I did not feel comfortable with this Doctor entirely so I went back to my primary doctor which I have two of them and they both ran complete tests.

 

All test come back fine except that I have elevated IGA mainly and a little elevated IGM.

 

I even went to an allergist certified doctor which told me that clinically that elevated IGA means nothing.

 

My primary doctor says that is what just makes you, you. That these results are based on a bell curve and that sometimes people are outliers. Is this true in my case?

 

Questions:

 

What does elevated IGA mean exactly?

 

What does elevated IGM mean exactly?

 

What does “An apparent polyclonal gammopathy: IgA and IgM. Kappa and lambda

typing appear increased.” mean exactly?

 

What does “The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of

monoclonal protein is not apparent.” mean exactly?

 

Is this anything I should worry about or do I just simply ignore this and move on with my life?

 

Does this have anything to with allergies or chronic sinusitis possibly? Because I have read up on this and have found that it might be do to that and I do have bad sinuses.

 

If everything is fine now, can everything stay fine or does this mean I can develop “Multiple Myeloma” or some form of “cancer” in the future based on these results? I mean I know everyone has a chance of getting cancer I am just wondering if I have an increased chance or something based on these results.

 

I am asking this because it just doesn’t seem like any of my Doctors either are not really concerned by this or just don’t really know what to make of it. I wish they could just tell me exactly what it is and what I should either prepare for or not prepare for.

 

I have seen the following Doctors:

 

Two primary doctors

One hematologist

Allergist

Endocrinologist

 

And have also had an ultra sound and a CT scan of my pelvis and stomach because I believe I have IBS instead of Celiac Disease like my Father.

 

So please let me know what I should do or what I should know.

 

Results:

 

2014 – March

 

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum 710 High mg/dL 91 − 414 01

Endomysial Antibody IgA Negative Negative 01

 

2014 – April

 

Beta Globulin 1.4 High g/dL 0.6 − 1.3 01

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum 721 High mg/dL 91 − 414 01

Immunoglobulin M, Qn, Serum 271 High mg/dL 40 − 230 01

THE SPE PATTERN APPEARS ESSENTIALLY UNREMARKABLE.EVIDENCE OF MONOCLONAL PROTEIN IS NOT APPARENT.

 

2014 – October

 

Beta Globulin 1.4 High g/dL 0.6 - 1.3 01

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum 753 High mg/dL 91 - 414 01

Immunoglobulin M, Qn, Serum 270 High mg/dL 40 - 230 01

P E Interpretation, S 01 The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of

monoclonal protein is not apparent.

 

I have the two from my primary doctor but they just say elevated IGA and they are not worried about it.

All of these blood tests have much more information and tests on them but they are all normal so I didn’t bother putting them up here.

 

I am just wondering is my Doctors not telling me something because they do not want to get me down or depressed. By telling me that this can turn into something or is it truly something not to worry about?

 

I have seen many Doctors. Do any of you know of anyone else that I can go to that can truly tell me what these results mean?

 

Also can you explain to me where I can post these results to where I can get some answers and also do you know anything about these results?

 

Thank you for your time and I greatly appreciate your feedback.

[Astrongtower]

If you want to keep reaching out for answers, you may consider a doctor with a specialty in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.  If you can, get someone who is a "Fellow of The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)  who has FAAAAI after their name.  The only reason I know this is I have an immunodeficiency and see an immunologist who is a FAAAAI and also has a pediatric fellowship attached.  Basically they handle anything wrong with the immune system whether it is low levels, high levels, allergies, asthma, or anything else of the sort.  If it truly is nothing, they will be the person to know.

 

I personally have low levels of IGA and IGG, which means I am missing a chunk of my immune system.  I don't know what it means to have too much, though.  But if the hematologist discharges you I would definitely seek out a consultation with an immunologist.

 

I went to a FAAAAI Certified Doctor and he said Elevated IGA means clinically nothing.

 

I just swear sometimes I feel like I read conflicting data on the internet though ...

 

Oh, I will do that!  I should see him at my next IVIG infusion on the 17th.  Sometimes I don't get to see him but I think I didn't last time so I should see him this time definitely.  I am kind of like you, I can't just let things lie if something may possibly be wrong.  That led to me finally getting everything properly diagnosed so I could treat the problem, not just the sickly symptoms I had.  Even if it is likely nothing I would do the same!  And of course seeing an allergy specialist will help you get your allergy stuff possibly under better control so there could be a plus.

 

Did you ever have the chance to ask your Doctor about Elevated IGA?

[nvsmom]

I don't know a lot about immunoglobulins except that elevated levels may mean something is wrong with your health or it may not.  It is not a very specific test to certain diseases though.  I would google elevated levels of IgA and such and see what is there.  Further look into the think listed like lupus or liver disease and see if any could apply to you.  Using Dr Google isn't ideal but it may help.  

 

I do know that the immunoglobulin tests are not celiac disease tests.

 

You've only had one celiac disease test done and it is the one that tends to show advanced damage, EMA IgA (endomysial antibodies).  There are a few more you could do: tTG IgA, tTG Igg, DGP IgA and DGP IgG.  The EMA IgA might have missed you so if you suspect celiac disease, I would do more testing.

 

Best wishes.

[Astrongtower]

I don't know a lot about immunoglobulins except that elevated levels may mean something is wrong with your health or it may not.  It is not a very specific test to certain diseases though.  I would google elevated levels of IgA and such and see what is there.  Further look into the think listed like lupus or liver disease and see if any could apply to you.  Using Dr Google isn't ideal but it may help.  

 

I do know that the immunoglobulin tests are not celiac disease tests.

 

You've only had one celiac disease test done and it is the one that tends to show advanced damage, EMA IgA (endomysial antibodies).  There are a few more you could do: tTG IgA, tTG Igg, DGP IgA and DGP IgG.  The EMA IgA might have missed you so if you suspect celiac disease, I would do more testing.

 

Best wishes.

 

I tried googling everything related to IGA and have come up with nothing.

 

So are you saying like my Doctor is saying that I could just be an outlier on the Bell Curve with my IGA. While it is high it could be normal for me and my body?

 

I have checked on Lupus and Liver Disease and I have zero symptoms of anything. I only stumbled on this because I was getting a LOW T Test done.

 

I have had a complete Celiac Test done as well with everything you listed checked and the Doctors said that I do not have Celiac disease. They also did a colonoscopy and took samples to get checked by the lap and everything came back fine.

[RMJ]

"What does “The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of

monoclonal protein is not apparent.” mean exactly?"

That's good! You don't have monoclonal antibodies. If the excess antibodies were monoclonal it would be a concern. Monoclonal antibodies are made by a cell and its daughter, granddaughter etc cells, which all are the same and all make the very same antibody (all coming from a single "clone"). This happens in multiple myeloma and other diseases. This is determined by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), a way of separating and looking at the proteins, including antibodies, in your blood.

Hope this helps.

[nvsmom]

I tried googling everything related to IGA and have come up with nothing.

 

So are you saying like my Doctor is saying that I could just be an outlier on the Bell Curve with my IGA. While it is high it could be normal for me and my body?

 

I have checked on Lupus and Liver Disease and I have zero symptoms of anything. I only stumbled on this because I was getting a LOW T Test done.

 

I have had a complete Celiac Test done as well with everything you listed checked and the Doctors said that I do not have Celiac disease. They also did a colonoscopy and took samples to get checked by the lap and everything came back fine.

 

I'm glad you had the other celiac tests (not listed in your previous post) done besides the endomysial test you listed.  Many doctors just give one or two tests and think that should catch all celiacs.  A colonoscopy will not test for celiac disease though.  For a celiac disease test, doctors do an endoscopic biopsy -  they go in through our other end and look at the small intestines rather than the large one.  celiac disease usually has the most impact on the upper small intestine just after the stomach.

 

You could be the odd one out on a bell curve, or it could be something.  I think you are smart to look into it just to be safe though.  

 

I had some odd tests like that a while ago where nothing could explain my tests except a very serious illness.  I was quite nervous because the ONLY thing that I could find was this one cause. I was tested for it and it appears that I'm okay so I do understand how hard it is to accept no explanation for some things.  

 

Good luck to you. I hope you find answers.  

[1desperateladysaved]

Do you know what tests helped to define your father's celiac?  Did you have an endoscopy done, because that examines the small intestine? They should take at least 4-6 samples and look for villi damage.  When all of your testing is done then you could try a gluten free diet to see if it will help take away your symptoms.  If you already cut out gluten before your tests, they wouldn't be valid.  I hope that is not the case and wish you to find a definitive diagnosis and relief.

 

Dee

[SMRI]

Some info on High IgA and IgM levels.  I don't know what your symptoms are. 

 

Open Original Shared Link

[Astrongtower]

"What does “The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of

monoclonal protein is not apparent.” mean exactly?"

That's good! You don't have monoclonal antibodies. If the excess antibodies were monoclonal it would be a concern. Monoclonal antibodies are made by a cell and its daughter, granddaughter etc cells, which all are the same and all make the very same antibody (all coming from a single "clone"). This happens in multiple myeloma and other diseases. This is determined by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), a way of separating and looking at the proteins, including antibodies, in your blood.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you for the comforting words. Yes I think my Hematologist has rule out the worst things it could be. I just don't they are trying at all to find the cause of the IGA though. Its just like oh hey you don't have this so have a nice day.

 

I'm glad you had the other celiac tests (not listed in your previous post) done besides the endomysial test you listed.  Many doctors just give one or two tests and think that should catch all celiacs.  A colonoscopy will not test for celiac disease though.  For a celiac disease test, doctors do an endoscopic biopsy -  they go in through our other end and look at the small intestines rather than the large one.  celiac disease usually has the most impact on the upper small intestine just after the stomach.

 

You could be the odd one out on a bell curve, or it could be something.  I think you are smart to look into it just to be safe though.  

 

I had some odd tests like that a while ago where nothing could explain my tests except a very serious illness.  I was quite nervous because the ONLY thing that I could find was this one cause. I was tested for it and it appears that I'm okay so I do understand how hard it is to accept no explanation for some things.  

 

Good luck to you. I hope you find answers.  

 

Yes I have had a lot more test than this. I have also had the Immunofixation and the Celiac Panel 10 done. Among a ton of others for good measure.

 

I am starting to think it is "Bacterial Sinusitis" because I do struggle with that with heavy allergies.

 

So the results you had, they could not find anything either? Did you just end up being an outlier on the bell curve as well?

 

Do you know what tests helped to define your father's celiac?  Did you have an endoscopy done, because that examines the small intestine? They should take at least 4-6 samples and look for villi damage.  When all of your testing is done then you could try a gluten free diet to see if it will help take away your symptoms.  If you already cut out gluten before your tests, they wouldn't be valid.  I hope that is not the case and wish you to find a definitive diagnosis and relief.

 

Dee

 

My father just had a blood test done.

 

He did not want to do the endoscopy because that was to invasive for him.

 

His symptoms where much much worse than mine. He would have sever pain and gain and would have to lie on the floor and try to move the gas around in his system. I have never had anything like that. But his didn't really developed till his late thirties or early forties I believe.

 

He has always struggled with hemorrhoids, severe ibs and now celiac. He took a blood test that confirmed he had celiac and that was enough for him. He feels much better and has gotten on a strict Gluten Free diet and takes it extremely seriously.

 

I just wish i knew how all this relates to me.

 

I mean I could have a gluten intolerance but not celiac or I could just have Bacterial Sinusitis. I don't know and neither do my Doctors.

 

 

Some info on High IgA and IgM levels.  I don't know what your symptoms are. 

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Thanks for the link, I have checked that out before. I'll double check it again.

[nvsmom]

 

Yes I have had a lot more test than this. I have also had the Immunofixation and the Celiac Panel 10 done. Among a ton of others for good measure.

 

I am starting to think it is "Bacterial Sinusitis" because I do struggle with that with heavy allergies.

 

So the results you had, they could not find anything either? Did you just end up being an outlier on the bell curve as well?

 

 

Yep. I was off the bell curve too and I still have no idea why.  Frustrating isn't it?!

[Astrongtower]

Yep. I was off the bell curve too and I still have no idea why.  Frustrating isn't it?!

 

Also …

 

Do you think I have this:

 

MGUS: Monoclonal Gammopahty of Unknown Significance (MGSU)

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Or has this been ruled out by my blood tests?

 

Or

 

Bacteria Sinusitis or some kind of infection or allergy that my body has been trying to fight off for over a year?

 

Here are a couple of links to where people having elevated IGA and the Doctors really have no idea what to make of it when no others symptoms are present.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Any other ideas or ways to go? I have a feeling when I see my Hematologist next week they are just going to say, looks like your results are fine, good luck be safe out there, will run a follow up next year.

 

That’s it with no explanation.

 

I just find it hard to believe that in 2014 that is the best we can do with Blood Tests.

[Astrongtower]

I apologize. I meant to also ask:

 

Do I have “polyclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS)”? or is this even possible?

 

This is what my Blood Test says:

 

Immunofixation, Serum

01

Immunofixation Result, Serum

An apparent polyclonal gammopathy: IgA and IgM. Kappa and lambda typing appear increased.

 

Result:

 

P E Interpretation, S

01

The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of monoclonal protein is not apparent.

 

It doesn’t mention anything of “Monoclonal” just “Polyclonal”

 

That is why I was wondering if this possibly existed:

 

polyclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS)

 

or when:

 

“The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of monoclonal protein is not apparent.”

 

Cancels all this out …

 

Do you understand what I am trying to say?

[nvsmom]

I apologize. I meant to also ask:

 

Do I have “polyclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS)”? or is this even possible?

 

This is what my Blood Test says:

 

Immunofixation, Serum

01

Immunofixation Result, Serum

An apparent polyclonal gammopathy: IgA and IgM. Kappa and lambda typing appear increased.

 

Result:

 

P E Interpretation, S

01

The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of monoclonal protein is not apparent.

 

It doesn’t mention anything of “Monoclonal” just “Polyclonal”

 

That is why I was wondering if this possibly existed:

 

polyclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS)

 

or when:

 

“The SPE pattern appears essentially unremarkable. Evidence of monoclonal protein is not apparent.”

 

Cancels all this out …

 

Do you understand what I am trying to say?

 

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with those conditions so I can't offer any advice.  For info on celiac disease or hypothyroidism, I can sometimes help but I wouldn't dare offer advice on this since I know next to nothing.

 

I do wish you good luck in finding answers soon though. 

[Astrongtower]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with those conditions so I can't offer any advice.  For info on celiac disease or hypothyroidism, I can sometimes help but I wouldn't dare offer advice on this since I know next to nothing.

 

I do wish you good luck in finding answers soon though. 

 

Thank you for at least reading and trying.

 

Do you think you could stretch and now what IgA means when it is elevated though? Isn't it the opposite of having low IgA which means you have Celiac Disease. I know that if your levels are low you can't fight off infection and you need assistance or something needs to change.

 

I just wonder what it means when your levels are high with no apparent reason.

[nvsmom]

Thank you for at least reading and trying.

 

Do you think you could stretch and now what IgA means when it is elevated though? Isn't it the opposite of having low IgA which means you have Celiac Disease. I know that if your levels are low you can't fight off infection and you need assistance or something needs to change.

 

I just wonder what it means when your levels are high with no apparent reason.

 

Low Iga does not mean that you have celiac disease; it can mean that you are more likely to get an autoimmune disease (celiac disease being one of them). IgA is the immune system of the mucosal linings (like in the intestines) so I don't find it surprising that celiacs are often low in IgA... plus low IgA can be caused by serious malnutrition (often found in celiacs).  I last read that 1 in 700 of the regular population is low in IgA but 1 in 20 celiacs are IgA deficient. 

 

I just don't know what would cause your high levels... Hereditary? A fluke? I don't know.

 

For me, my issue was very high growth hormones (IGF-1 specically) which indicates acromegaly from a tumour on the pituitary (against the brain). I researched like crazy to find any other cause and I saw doctors who did tests to look for the tumour; none of us found anything. It was just rediculously high for no reason, and then it started to come down.  It was close to normal last time we checked so I was able to let it go as some fluke of nature.  BUT, that doesn't mean I'm not keeping my eye on it just in case.  KWIM?

 

I know that these aren't the best source but I posted it anyways.  The first site discusses low IgA:

Open Original Shared Link

This one discusses hypergammaglobulinemia - it looks like it could just be hereditary if this is in fact what you have:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Best wishes.

[SMRI]

I'm going to make a suggestion--get off Dr. Google and just let things rest for a few weeks.  You are all over the place with what you think it wrong and I think you need to just step away for a while.  I don't know what your original symptoms were that led you to the testing but maybe take 2 weeks and just breathe for a while.  No one feels 100% all the time and sometimes the little aches and pains are just little aches and pains and they are not a symptom of anything.  You've seen 5 different doctors and none of them have found anything wrong other than the elevated IgG and IgA.  Go out with some friends, have some fun and just forget about the tests for a while.  If, after a few weeks you still REALLY feel sick, make and appointment with someone to go over your IgG and IgA tests.

[Astrongtower]

Low Iga does not mean that you have celiac disease; it can mean that you are more likely to get an autoimmune disease (celiac disease being one of them). IgA is the immune system of the mucosal linings (like in the intestines) so I don't find it surprising that celiacs are often low in IgA... plus low IgA can be caused by serious malnutrition (often found in celiacs).  I last read that 1 in 700 of the regular population is low in IgA but 1 in 20 celiacs are IgA deficient. 

 

I just don't know what would cause your high levels... Hereditary? A fluke? I don't know.

 

For me, my issue was very high growth hormones (IGF-1 specically) which indicates acromegaly from a tumour on the pituitary (against the brain). I researched like crazy to find any other cause and I saw doctors who did tests to look for the tumour; none of us found anything. It was just rediculously high for no reason, and then it started to come down.  It was close to normal last time we checked so I was able to let it go as some fluke of nature.  BUT, that doesn't mean I'm not keeping my eye on it just in case.  KWIM?

 

I know that these aren't the best source but I posted it anyways.  The first site discusses low IgA:

Open Original Shared Link

This one discusses hypergammaglobulinemia - it looks like it could just be hereditary if this is in fact what you have:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Best wishes.

 

Thank you so much for this information ...

 

Some one posted this on another forum for me and this actually seems closer to figuring something out.

 

I might actually have connected tissue disease:

 

I actually have hypo-tropic scars and growths that are benign but would go along with this. It is the second most cause of poloclonal gamopathy right after liver disease.

 

Tell me what you think.

 

Post:

 

Once you get into discussions of polyclonal gammopathies, you're getting into areas that aren't really the expertise of people here. MGUS, smoldering myeloma, and multiple myeloma are monoclonal gammopathies most of the time. When it comes to figuring out what the cause of polyclonal gammopathies might be, I suspect you're going to have to get advice somewhere else.

This is a good initial source to start understanding differences between monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathies:

treatment O'Connell et al., "Open Original Shared Link," American Family Physician, Jan 1, 2005 (full text)

You'll see that it says the following:

 

It is extremely important to differentiate monoclonal from polyclonal gammopathies. Monoclonal gammopathies are associated with a clonal process that is malignant or potentially malignant. In contrast, polyclonal gammopathies may be caused by any reactive or inflammatory process, and they usually are associated with nonmalignant conditions."

[nvsmom]

If you are concerned then you should take your concerns, and any symptoms, to your doctor.  This is way out of my comfort zone of knowledge.

 

I hope your doctor can help you feel satisfied with why you had those labs.  Best wishes.

[Astrongtower]

I'm going to make a suggestion--get off Dr. Google and just let things rest for a few weeks.  You are all over the place with what you think it wrong and I think you need to just step away for a while.  I don't know what your original symptoms were that led you to the testing but maybe take 2 weeks and just breathe for a while.  No one feels 100% all the time and sometimes the little aches and pains are just little aches and pains and they are not a symptom of anything.  You've seen 5 different doctors and none of them have found anything wrong other than the elevated IgG and IgA.  Go out with some friends, have some fun and just forget about the tests for a while.  If, after a few weeks you still REALLY feel sick, make and appointment with someone to go over your IgG and IgA tests.

 

I really never had any symptoms that is the case. To be honest I just wanted to get some Testorenone so I went to endocrinologist to see if I could get some if you know what I mean. Nothing was wrong with me.

 

Then he did a bunch of tests and this is what came up.

 

Since then I have seen 5 Doctors and they all say elevated IgA means nothing or they just don't know from what I am guessing. Sometimes they never seem to give me a straight answer.

 

You make a very good point though. I should go outside and enjoy the nice weather.

 

If you are concerned then you should take your concerns, and any symptoms, to your doctor.  This is way out of my comfort zone of knowledge.

 

I hope your doctor can help you feel satisfied with why you had those labs.  Best wishes.

 

Thanks for doing all that you could at this point though, I really appreciate it.