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Selective deficiency of IgA

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

IgA deficiency

Treatment:

No specific treatment is available. Some people gradually develop normal levels of IgA without treatment. Individual infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. In some cases, longer courses of antibiotics may be needed to prevent recurring infection.

Autoimmune disease treatment is based on the specific problem.

NOTE: Persons with a complete absence of IgA should not be given gamma globulin. Such treatment may lead to allergies or life-threatening anaphylactic shock .

Expectations (prognosis):

Selective IgA deficiency is less harmful than many other immunodeficiency diseases.

Some people with IgA deficiency will recover on their own and begin to produce IgA in larger quantities over a period of years.

Complications:

An autoimmune disorder, such as like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus , may develop.

Patients with IgA deficiency may develop antibodies to IgA, and can have severe, even life-threatning reactions to transfusions of blood and blood products. If transfusions are necessary, the blood should ideally come from a donor who is also IgA-deficient.

Calling your health care provider:

Consider genetic counseling if there is a family history of selective IgA deficiency and you plan to have children.

If you have an IgA deficiency, be sure to mention it to the provider if gamma globulin is suggested as a treatment for any condition.

References:

Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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