Polls relevant to Microscopic Colitis, and related issues, can be posted here, to allow for the collection of data that might help to shed some light on this disease, and it's treatment options.
I had high levels of Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibody 6 years ago. Around the time of my LC diagnosis 2 years ago, the ASMA test was replaced by the Anti-Actin Antibody test, which essentially tests the same thing, but with more specificity. I was positive then, and again last year just after starting the GF/DF/SF diet. I've known these antibodies are tied to Autoimmune Hepatitis (I like to think of it as celiac hepatitis now - something I hope to be preventing). But Anti-Actin is apparently also being considered to diagnose celiac disease!! Of course Dr. Fasano didn't seem phased by my results and didn't repeat them in his celiac work-up, so I guess the science isn't all there yet, but he did write an article on Medscape about it. Has anyone else had the anti-Actin antibody test??
Could it be a marker for the mucosal damage caused by MC, not just celiac? Should it become part of the diagnostic work-up for MC?
Dr. Fasano:
The anti-actin antibody assay represents the most recent addition to the "diagnostic arsenal" in celiac disease. It was recently reported that this test is particularly sensitive in detecting cases of celiac disease characterized by severe intestinal mucosal damage, with a reported sensitivity of 100%.[8] If these data are confirmed, it may be possible to devise a stepwise protocol in which symptomatic patients who test tTG-positive (and subsequently anti-actin antibody positive) can avoid intestinal biopsy for diagnostic confirmation.
In my case, I am not even convinced now that I DON'T have celiac also since my new GI doc who ordered the MC biopsy could not obtain the records from my old GI practice (they merged with another practice) My only celiac bloodwork is several years old now and now inaccessible for some reason. Should I talk to my new Gi doc for this anti-actin autobody test to see if I actually could have celiac also? Being Type 1 diabetic, I am kind of surprised if I don't have celiac. After my recent sigmoidoscopy I would like to avpid another in-hospital procedure! I do plan on having Dr. Fine's lab run all the tests for me as soon as my HSA benefits and new insurance kicks in.
I doubt any doctors are using this or the anti-actin test to help diagnose celiac disease, but if you don't have results, it wouldn't hurt to get the traditional celiac tests. Enterolab results will be most informative.
Yes, I have planned on Enterolab testing as soon as I can swing it. I am pretty sure my new GI doc will order a new set of celiac labs also when I visit her again.
