Autoimmune problems associated with selective IgA deficiency

What are autoimmune problems associated with selective IgA deficiency?

• Systemic autoimmune disorders (SLE, SLE-spectrum of disease [undifferentiated connective tissue disease], RA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjogren’s, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, etc.) occur in 7% to 36% of patients (four times increased risk).

• Organ-specific autoimmune disorders (diabetes mellitus type I, myasthenia gravis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune cytopenias, autoimmune endocrinopathies, autoimmune hepatitis, etc.).

IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency with a prevalence of 1/333 to 1/700 in Caucasians. Of these, 20% are familial. It is characterized by absent (<5 mg/dL) levels of serum and secretory IgA, accompanied by normal levels of serum IgG and IgM. Cell-mediated immunity is intact. It is usually asymptomatic, and there are no specific treatments for IgA deficiency, other than to avoid IgA-containing blood products or medications. It may be useful in raising clinical suspicion for one of the autoimmune diseases earlier.

15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856