IGA

[Lucky8]

I have seen comments in several posts about low IGA but I don't understand what it means to us.

When my GI tested me for celiac, my blood IGA number was very low. What does this mean in relation to MC?

Thanks!

[Joefnh]

Good morning Lucky8 in looking at IGA deficiency, IGA helps protect the various mucosal tissues throughout the body and a lack of it can lead to increased sinus infections and D. Not all with this deficiency develop these issues but there is an increased risk.

Those with IGA deficiency can be susceptible to developing autoimmune diseases a very low IGA could lead to the development of AI diseases. Also since it appears that IGA seems to protect the mucosal tissues form inflammation, the low IGA might allow for inflammation in the GI tract.

http://www.immunedisease.com/about-pi/t ... iency.html

Selective IgA Deficiency is one of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases. Studies have indicated that as many as one in every five hundred people have Selective IgA Deficiency. Many of these individuals appear healthy, or have relatively mild illnesses and are generally not sick enough to be seen by a doctor and may never be discovered to have IgA deficiency. In contrast, there are individuals with Selective IgA Deficiency who have significant illnesses. Currently, it is not understood why some individuals with IgA deficiency have almost no illness while others are very sick. Also, it is not known precisely what percent of individuals with IgA deficiency will eventually develop complications; estimates range from 25% to 50% over 20 years of observation. Studies have suggested that some patients with IgA deficiency may be missing a fraction of their IgG (the IgG2 and/or IgG4 subclasses), and that may be part of the explanation of why some patients with IgA deficiency are more susceptible to infection than others.

A common problem in IgA deficiency is susceptibility to infections. This is seen in about half of the patients with IgA deficiency that come to medical attention. Recurrent ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia are the most common infections seen in patients with Selective IgA Deficiency. Some patients also have gastrointestinal infections and chronic diarrhea. The occurrence of these kinds of infections is easy to understand since IgA protects mucosal surfaces. These infections may become chronic. Furthermore, the infection may not completely clear with treatment, and patients may have to remain on antibiotics for longer than usual.

A second major problem in IgA deficiency is the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. These are found in about 25% to 33% of patients who seek medical help. In autoimmune diseases, individuals produce antibodies or T-lymphocytes which react with their own tissues with resulting inflammation and damage. Some of the more frequent autoimmune diseases associated with IgA deficiency are: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). These autoimmune diseases may cause sore and swollen joints of the hands or knees, a rash on the face, anemia (a low red blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count). Other kinds of autoimmune disease may affect the endocrine system and/or the gastrointestinal system.

Joe

[Lucky8]

Thank you Joe! So... low IGA is what makes some of us susceptible to developing MC? Do you think it needs to be treated any differently due to that?

I believe I found that same article that you quoted months ago when I first saw the IGA number. I was trying to tie it together in my mind and what concerned me most was that ITP was possibly related. I believe I was told I had that years ago but more importantly, my son had it when he was 3.

I brought it up with his pediatrician and asked if my son might have an IGA deficiency also. He said he might but what difference would it make to know since there isn't anything we can do about it. I told him that I have an autoimmune disease and I am worried about similar consequences for my son. He basically looked at me like I had 2 heads.

What do you think? Should I be concerned?

I talked to Polly a while back about my son's ADHD issues but I didn't bring this up because the ADHD was my primary focus at the time.

Thanks!

[Polly]

We meet again!

IGA deficiency is very common (about 1 in 500) and usually causes no significant problems and needs no treatment. I would say not to worry about it if you and your son do not have huge numbers of colds, sinus and other infections.

Here is one issue to be aware of, however - those with IGA deficiency may show little or no response on tests like Dr. Fine's, that measure antibodies in the gut. IOW, the results on those tests may look normal or only slightly elevated, when in fact, they might be positive if IGA were not insufficient. IGA can give a false negative result.

Hugs,

Polly

[Lucky8]

Thanks Polly!


So, just because he had ITP it doesn't mean he is necessarily more vulnerable to other immune issues? I have always looked for a reason that he developed that condition even though the specialists told me there are no known reasons.

[Polly]

I agree with the specialists. (I am assuming that it was a mild, self-limited case and that your son is fine now).

Polly

[Lucky8]

Thanks Polly! It has not recurred so it was mild in that sense but it was a fairly severe acute case. His counts were virtually zero so they gave him Win Rho to bring them up while he healed. It definitely scared me, I guess that's why I still think about it. I made the poor child wear a bike helmet everywhere he went for months.

Thanks for making me feel better - again. I will let you know how my meeting with the school goes.