Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Mixed results in child

suzeo

Recommended Posts

suzeo Newbie
suzeo
Posted

Hi,

 

I'm trying to sort out my 11 year old daughter who has a lot of stomach pain and belching.  Her IGG and IGA were both positive 203 and 68 (above 25 positive at this lab) her TTG was negative and her biopsy was negative.  What does this mixed result mean?

 

Thanks for your insight,

 

Susan

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
22 minutes ago, suzeo said:

Hi,

 

I'm trying to sort out my 11 year old daughter who has a lot of stomach pain and belching.  Her IGG and IGA were both positive 203 and 68 (above 25 positive at this lab) her TTG was negative and her biopsy was negative.  What does this mixed result mean?

 

Thanks for your insight,

 

Susan

Welcome.  I think that the IgA and IgG tests are ordered as control tests for celiac disease testing.  If in range (or close to it), the TTG IgA and the TTG IgG tests are considered to be valid (results accurate).  Those tests also let a doctor know if there is an immune system issue.  You are talking about immunoglobulin tests, right?   The EMA and DGP celiac tests are missing.  What made the doctor move forward with biopsies if the TTG screening test was negative?  

A negative biopsy is possible as the small intestine is vast (size if a tennis court).  Patches of damage can be missed.

What did the doctor say?  Was anything found (e.g. SIBO, H. Pylori, etc)?  

  • 2 weeks later...
suzeo Newbie
suzeo
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for your reply.

Attached are the actual lab results.  Doctor has been hearing of more mixed lab results lately so did the biopsy.  He thinks maybe she is pre-celiac.  H Pylori was negative.  Everything else in scope was negative but showed evidence of irritation from reflux.  We are trying gluten free but understand that this will not allow a future diagnosis unless she goes off it again.  I just hate to do gluten-free with an 11 year old for the foreseeable future without  a real reason.

 

test results.png

tessa25 Rising Star
tessa25
Posted

She has a high for two tests, DGP IGA and DGP IGG. There are people on this forum with high DGP and normal TTG who have celiac. The biopsy results should confirm it for you. Did the pathology report from the biopsies come back yet? Maybe it did and I misunderstood?

?

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
40 minutes ago, suzeo said:

Thank you for your reply.

Attached are the actual lab results.  Doctor has been hearing of more mixed lab results lately so did the biopsy.  He thinks maybe she is pre-celiac.  H Pylori was negative.  Everything else in scope was negative but showed evidence of irritation from reflux.  We are trying gluten free but understand that this will not allow a future diagnosis unless she goes off it again.  I just hate to do gluten-free with an 11 year old for the foreseeable future without  a real reason.

 

test results.png

Wow!  Those were not just Immunoglobulin tests.  Those were actually celiac antibodies tests!  I wonder why the (AGA) IgA was not flagged as a high result?  Your daughter's results were comparable to mine.    I test ONLY to the DGP IgA  (gliadin) even in follow-up testing.  Her results are very high!  My biopsy did reveal damage.  Do you know if they took enough biopsies?  Six or more is best.  Remember, it is easy to miss damaged areas.  I would ask for a copy of the pathologist's report to confirm the number of biopsies. 

The TTG can be elevated for other reasons.  I have yet to find elevated DGP (Gliadin) elevated for other than celiac disease.  That is strange.   I wonder if it is a lab typo?  

Okay, back to your  daughter.  You should seek a second GI opinion.   If she does have celiac disease, this is a critical time for growth.  A strict gluten-free diet can eliminate long term complications.  

 I guess the plan is to do the diet and then retest her antibodies?  

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Here why I think you should continue to advocate for your daughter's health.  This is not related to celiac disease.  My niece was diagnosed with Crohn's.  We thought for sure she had either the family gallbladder curse or celiac disease.  Everything was negative.  Nothing found.  Four GIs (two were PED GIs).  Finally the fourth GI did a pill camera.  Caught severe damage way beyond the reach of either scope.  She is doing well now with treatment. 

Her Mom did not settle.  She knew that her daughter's symptoms were real.  So, listen to your "Mom Radar".  Something is wrong.  Unfortunately, your daughter's case is not clear cut.  So, more research and medical advice is needed.  

Oh, the pill camera is being used as another diagnostic tool for celiac disease.  Something to research.  

 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Sorry, I keep looking at the lab results.  The AGA (Anti-Gliadin)is an older test which has been replaced by the DGP test years ago.  Do you think your doctor ran the old tests?  I assumed the lab was using the old name, but that the celiac test was new.  In any case, it is still very positive but it makes me wonder how celiac-savvy your GI is.  

These are the current tests:

Open Original Shared Link

Can anyone else on the forum clarify?  

.....so, I found this about the old AGA tests.  It looks like other issues like liver disorders, IBS or other immune issues can associated with an elevated AGA.  Look at Mistake #9  (EU GI group): 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      128,091
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Michelle24077
    Newest Member
    Michelle24077
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.1k
    • Total Posts
      70.6k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Kiwifruit
      Years of testing - no real answers

      By Kiwifruit · Posted

      Thank you! 
    • trents
      Years of testing - no real answers

      By trents · Posted

      Thanks for following up with us on the results. This might be helpful to you now:  
    • Kiwifruit
      Years of testing - no real answers

      By Kiwifruit · Posted

      Hi I just wanted to update you all and let you know that I finally have my diagnosis. 2 weeks ago I had my third gastroscopy and the biopsy confirmed the damage. Thank you for giving me the information I needed to advocate for myself when I a was a feeling so lost!
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac Disease and Mild Chronic Gastritis

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I agree that the gastritis may go away after you've been on a gluten-free diet for a while. If you are concerned, it might make sense for you to do a follow up biopsy after  a year or so on a gluten-free diet. This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):    
    • Scott Adams
      Testing for celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Getting tested for celiac disease is a valid concern, especially given your history of microscopic colitis and the potential risks associated with undiagnosed celiac disease, such as cross-contamination, nutrient malabsorption, and increased cancer risk. Since you’ve been gluten-free for years, reintroducing gluten for the standard celiac blood tests or endoscopy would be challenging, as it requires consuming gluten for several weeks to months, which could worsen your symptoms and disrupt your daily life. Gene testing (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) through a lab like EnteroLab could be a helpful first step. While these genes are present in nearly all celiac patients, having them doesn’t confirm celiac disease—it only indicates genetic susceptibility. If you don’t have these genes, celiac disease is highly unlikely, which could provide some peace of mind. However, if you do have the genes, it doesn’t confirm celiac disease but suggests further testing might be warranted if you’re willing to undergo a gluten challenge. Another option is to discuss with your doctor whether a follow-up endoscopy or other non-invasive tests (like stool tests for gluten antibodies) could provide insights without requiring a gluten challenge. While a formal celiac diagnosis can be important for ensuring strict dietary adherence, access to gluten-free options in hospitals, and monitoring for complications, it’s also worth weighing the risks and benefits of reintroducing gluten. If you’re already strictly gluten-free and managing your symptoms well, the urgency of a formal diagnosis may depend on your personal health goals and concerns. Consulting a gastroenterologist familiar with celiac disease and Microscopic Colitis can help guide your decision.
×
×
  • Create New...