immune disorders
Selective Immunoglobulin Deficiency
Selective IgA Deficiency
Selective IgA deficiency results in a low level of immunoglobulin A (IgA). Levels of IgG and IgM are normal. Most people with selective IgA deficiency have few or no symptoms, but some have chronic lung infections, sinusitis, and other disorders. Doctors diagnose the disorder by measuring levels of immunoglobulins in the blood. Antibiotics are used to treat or sometimes to prevent infections. Selective IgA deficiency is the most common Primary immunodeficiency . It may be caused by a mutation in a specific gene or by a drug, such as Some people with selective IgA deficiency produce antibodies against IgA if they are exposed to IgA in blood transfusions or immune globulin (antibodies obtained from the blood of people with a normal immune system). Rarely, these antibodies against IgA trigger a severe allergic ( Anaphylactic Reactions ) reaction the next time such people are given a blood transfusion or immune globulin. Most people with selective IgA deficiency have few or no symptoms. Others develop chronic lung infections, sinusitis, allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, chronic diarrhea, or, rarely, Autoimmune Disorders , such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) or inflammatory bowel disease (which usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms that often recur or that may be serious). A few people develop Some people improve spontaneously. Life span is usually unaffected. If an autoimmune disorder or another immune disorder (such as common variable immunodeficiency) develops, life span may be shortened. Blood tests to measure immunoglobulin levels before and after vaccinations Doctors suspect selective IgA deficiency in people if they have Recurring infections An anaphylactic reaction to a blood transfusion or to immune globulin Gastrointestinal symptoms that may result from inflammatory bowel disease Family members who have selective IgA deficiency, common variable immunodeficiency, or an autoimmune disorder Blood tests to measure immunoglobulin levels are done to confirm the diagnosis. Normally, the body’s immune system responds to a vaccine by producing substances (such as Antibodies ) and mobilizing white blood cells that recognize and/or attack the specific bacteria or virus represented in the vaccine. Then whenever people who have been vaccinated are exposed to the specific bacteria or virus, the immune system automatically produces these antibodies and takes other action to prevent or lessen illness. People with selective IgA deficiency do not produce antibodies in response to certain kinds of vaccines. Doctors measure IgA antibody (immunoglobulin) levels before and after vaccinations. Lack of increase in IgA after vaccination helps to make the diagnosis. Antibiotics to treat or sometimes to prevent infections Use of a medical identification bracelet or tag by people who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a blood transfusion or immune globulin Usually, no treatment of selective IgA deficiency is needed. Antibiotics are given to people who have an infection. If the disorder is severe, antibiotics are given in advance to prevent infections from developing. People who have had an Anaphylactic Reactions reaction to a blood transfusion or immune globulin should wear a medical identification bracelet or tag to alert doctors to take precautions against such reactions. Selective IgA deficiency that results from taking a drug usually resolves if the drug is stopped. The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource. Immune Deficiency Foundation: Selective IgA deficiency: Comprehensive information on selective IgA deficiency, including information on diagnosis and treatment and advice for people affected 