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Selective IgA deficiency

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Abstract

Of 140 patients referred to the Pediatric Immunology Clinic during of 12-month period with the symptoms of recurrent infections or allergic respiratory illness, 21 (75%) were found to have selective IgA deficiency defined as serum concentration ≤ 5 mg. with normal levels of IgG and IgM. T lymphocyte number was reduced in the patients where as B cells with surface membrane IgA were increased. Autoantibodies and circulatory immune complexes were found more often in IgA-deficient subjects than in controls. Follow-up beyond the age of 9 years showed a spontaneous increase in serum IgA in 6, whereas 15 continued to have IgA deficiency. The latter group of children were characterized by more frequent infections, a higher prevalence of atopic disease, lower T cell count and serum IgG concentration, higher serum IgE level and a higher prevalence of food antibodies and immune complexes. These observations highlight the natural history and immunologic features of selective IgA deficiency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Janeway Child Health Center and Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

    S. Sahni M.D., G. Woodford M.D. & R. K. Chandra M.D.

Authors
  1. S. Sahni M.D.
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  2. G. Woodford M.D.
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  3. R. K. Chandra M.D.
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Sahni, S., Woodford, G. & Chandra, R.K. Selective IgA deficiency. Indian J Pediatr 49, 371–375 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02834428

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02834428

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