Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Selective deficiency of IgA - Treatment

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 infections from coming back.

Those with selective IgA deficiency who also have IgG subclass deficiencies benefit from immunogloulin (IVIG) treatments given through a vein.

Autoimmune disease treatment is based on the specific problem.

NOTE: People without any IgA may develop anti-IgA antibodies if given blood products and IVIG. This may lead to allergies or life-threatening anaphylactic shock. These individuals can safely be given IgA-depleted IVIG.

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 rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and celiac sprue may develop.

Patients with IgA deficiency may develop antibodies to IgA, and can have severe, even life-threatening reactions to transfusions of blood and blood products. If transfusions are necessary, washed cells may be cautiously given.

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 IVIG or other blood-component transfusions are suggested as a treatment for any condition.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/6/2008
  • Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP. Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Azar AE. Evaluation of the adult with suspected immunodeficiency. Am J Med. 2007; 120(9):764-8.

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.

Morimoto Y. Immunodeficiency Overview. Prim Care. 2008; 35(1):159-7, viii.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com