Could Someone Explain The TTGIgA Test Please?

Hello! I have recently had some blood tests done due to low vitamin B12 and long term issues with iron deficiency. My GP did some tests to rule out Celiacs as a cause, and I just wondered if somebody could explain the Tissu Transglutaminase IgA test please - my result came back at 0.4 (range 0-6.9) I’m assuming this is a really good result and means it’s not Celiacs? I believe total serum IgA was requested too but I don’t have a result back for this.

I have an appointment with my GP on Thursday to discuss all of the results but I wanted to get as much information and knowledge as possible beforehand to get my head around all of this to be able to get the most out of my appointment and ensure I’m asking the right questions!

Thank you

[Narwhal10]

Hi Nicki-Lou92,

The Ttg-IgA test is approximately 90 to 95 % effective meaning that there is a 5 to 10 % chance you could still have the disease but the test did not pick it up.

Your result was below the range so shows a negative result. However, if you have symptoms of Coeliac Disease which can be stomach issues, joint pain, migraines then please take off and print out Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management. NICE guideline [NG20] Published: 02 September 2015

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20

See point 1.1.6 and 1.3.3 Refer people with negative serological test results to a gastrointestinal specialist for further assessment if coeliac disease is still clinically suspected

You have a negative result but as explained still may have it but depends on your individual symptoms.

Causation for low vitamin B12 and long term issues with iron deficiency could be other malabsorption issues such as H.pylori, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

GUTS U.K. are very helpful.

gutscharity.org.uk

Have you required iron infusions ? Do you receive B12 (Hydroxycobalamin) injections ?

Any Family History of Autoimmune Diseases ?

A symptoms diary, a food diary, do not be afraid to describe your stools - Bristol Stool Chart

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

Lastly, Coeliac Disease has over 100 symptoms - gluten can attack all parts of the body and brain.

bmj.com/rapid-response/2011...

We all remember that in the medical school we used to call syphilis the great imitator of neurological disorders. I believe now celiac disease should assume that title.

TG2 - is gut. TG3 - Dermatitis Herpetiformis. TG6 - Brain.

Professor Marios Hadjivassiliou is a world leading neurologist specialising in gluten mediated illnesses base at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield. Where Professor Dave Sanders (consultant gastroenterologist is - he’s the Chairman of Coeliac U.K. - wrote Gluten Attack). Professor Daniel Aeschlimann is a world renowned biochemist and specialises in TG-6.

People can have Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity. Professor Dave is quite honest and has said there is no money for research into this condition.

Many people just give up gluten and see how they feel. If they feel better that is your answer.

However, in your case ask for a referral to gastroenterologist, if you have not already. Plus, dietician.

[Hidden in reply to Narwhal10]

Thank you so much for your reply and all the information, it’s so helpful! I don’t have any stomach issues thankfully… No I’ve not had to have any iron infusions as of yet it’s always been treated by tablets, and the B12 I think will be a course of injections, I have a follow up appointment with my GP in a few days to discuss it all. I think she’ll be referring me to a gastroenterologist as nothing conclusive has shown up on these tests to give any real answers, I will definitely ask her for one if she hasn’t already done it!

That is so interesting about the neurological side of coeliac, my Mum and Grandad have MS and I’m currently under the neurology team due to my brain mri showing up some cysts that they can’t really explain but haven’t changed and neurology aren’t overly worried about just want to monitor, I’m trying to push forward my next scan and follow up with the anyway due to the low B12 so I’ll definitely be mentioning the points made to my GP and to them to get their opinion.

At this point I am seriously considering just going gluten free anyway and see what happens, I’ll discuss with my GP first as I don’t want to stop gluten if she wants more tests done first before I do.

Thank you again for all your help and info.

[Narwhal10 in reply to Hidden]

My pleasure,

Nicki-Lou92, sorry to learn of your Mum and Grandad. Although, M.S could possibly be a misdiagnosis for Pernicious Anaemia/B12 deficiency.

b12info.com/misdiagnosis/

Dr Joseph Chandy wrote a book on it. There is lots of other medical literature on it too.

Yes, some people have no gut problems with Coeliac Disease or Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity, just skin or are neurology patients.

Good luck with it.

[Hidden in reply to Narwhal10]

That’s so interesting! Thank you, luckily they are both doing pretty well so we’ve been so lucky!

Thanks again!