People with IgA deficiency are at a slightly higher risk for other conditions, including certain autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, allergic diseases, and worsening forms of immunodeficiency.
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What Is IgA?
The most important role of IgA is to protect against infections from the numerous bacteria that are present on the mucous membranes.
What Is IgA Deficiency?
Slightly low IgA values are not consistent with IgA deficiency.
For a diagnosis of IgA deficiency, a person must have:
IgA deficiency is thought to be inherited in approximately 20% of new cases, and the cause of this deficiency is not known in most cases.
The 5 Types of Antibodies
What Are the Symptoms of IgA Deficiency?
It is not understood why some people have many complications from this antibody deficiency and some don’t have any effects. Most people who have IgA deficiency don’t experience any increase in infections whatsoever. Some, but not all, people with IgA deficiency are at an increased risk for infections that involve the mucous membranes,
Clinical effects can include an increase in:
Gastrointestinal Conditions
IgA deficiency is also associated with other GI diseases, includingceliac diseaseandulcerative colitis.
If you have possible celiac disease, you might also have a test to check for IgA deficiency. This can help determine whether a normal test for celiac disease could actually be a false negative result as a consequence of IgA deficiency.
Blood Transfusion
Some people with severe IgA deficiency actually make allergic antibodies (IgE) against IgA antibodies. Blood transfusions generally contain IgA antibodies, so a severe IgA allergy could increase the risk foranaphylaxisas a result of receiving blood transfusions.
If an emergency blood transfusion is necessary, a blood product with few IgA antibodies may be used to minimize the chance of anaphylaxis. Therefore, if you have severe IgA deficiency, you might be advised to wear a medical alert bracelet to ensure a safer blood transfusion if you need one.
Comorbidities
IgA deficiency is associated with an increased risk for comorbidities. These include various autoimmune diseases, including certain blood diseases (such asITP), rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus, and Graves' Disease. These diseases occur in approximately 20-30% of people with IgA deficiency.
Complications
GI cancers andlymphomascan occur at higher rates in people with GI disorders associated with IgA deficiency.
These cancers are thought to be due to increased inflammation in the GI tract and they are not thought to be increased if people are asymptomatic or do not have GI manifestations of IgA deficiency.
Some people with IgA deficiency may progress to worsening forms of immunodeficiency, such ascommon variable immunodeficiency(CVID).
What Is the Treatment for IgA Deficiency?
The main treatment for IgA deficiency is the treatment of infections or of the associated diseases that may occur. If you have IgA deficiency and recurring infections, you should be treated earlier and more intensively than someone without IgA deficiency. This can include treatment with antibiotics for bacterial infections.
You should have immunizations against common infections, such as the seasonalinfluenza vaccineand the pneumococcal vaccine. However, the oral polio vaccine should not be given to people with selective IgA deficiency. Discuss your options with a healthcare provider.
If you have IgA deficiency, your healthcare provider will monitor you for signs of autoimmune diseases and help guide your management. GI diseases, allergic conditions, and worsening immunodeficiency.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Immune Deficiency Foundation.Selective IgA Deficiency.Additional ReadingYel L. Selective IgA Deficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2010;30:10-16.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Immune Deficiency Foundation.Selective IgA Deficiency.Additional ReadingYel L. Selective IgA Deficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2010;30:10-16.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Immune Deficiency Foundation.Selective IgA Deficiency.
Yel L. Selective IgA Deficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2010;30:10-16.
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