Immunoglobulin A Questions - Immune Disorders Message Board

ticker · 02-12-2004, 06:37 PM

Hello everyone. I have some questions regarding Immunoglobulin A. My result is 35 with 81-463 being normal. What does this very low level mean? What are the symptoms of low Immunoglobulin A and what is given for it?

Thanks for your help.

mamu710 · 02-13-2004, 08:13 AM

Hi ticker
The IgA class of immunoglobulins has the specific function of protecting the body's mucosal surfaces (eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract) from infection. While IgA is aided in this role to some degree by other classes of immunoglobulins, the lack or severe deficiency of IgA at these body sites makes one or more prone to recurrent infection, allergies, chronic diarrhea, or autoimmune diseases.
From what I have read, people may or may not have more frquent infections. IgA cannot be replaced. The symptoms/infections are treated with antibiotic therapy.
What type of doctor have you seen? Who ran these tests?
If you do a search on IgA Deficiency you should run across some info.

ticker · 02-13-2004, 09:06 AM

mamu710, thank you so much for your quick and informative reply.

I am currently being treated for Lyme Disease and am taking high-dose antibiotics. My Lyme doctor is the one who ran the test. I have not heard back from their office so I don't know what they will want to do. I wonder if there is a connection?

What immunoglobulin deficiency is IVIG used for?

mamu710 · 02-13-2004, 10:47 AM

IVIG therapy is used for a number of things. From what I know...(I'm no expert) it's used for IgG replacement. I have also heard of a few different uses. I have been told I have Common Variable Immune Deficiency. I have low IgA, but my IgG and IgM were a little low so the doctor prescribed IVIG therapy. I only had 3 treatments. When my IgG came up over normal he stopped it. My IgA was still low though. People with low IgA have to be careful getting blood products because of a reaction when recieving other peoples IgA. I don't know if I explained that exactly correct or not. But, some ivig does have small amounts of IgA so they watch you pretty carefully.
Anyway,there are a number of different Primary Immune Deficiencies that you can have. I am awaiting an appointment with an Immunologist. (6 months)He's also an allergist/infectious disease doctor that mainly specializes in clinical immunology. That's probably who you should look into seeing. I had been seeing a hematologist but he only had limited knowledge of immunology.
Well, that's some of what I've learned so far. I hope the info has helped.
mamu

ticker · 02-14-2004, 05:30 PM

mamu710, again I thank you! You have been very helpful.

Did the IVIG make a difference in how you feel? It all sounds very complicated. It seems like nothing is done if other IG levels are normal. Can't you see the doctor before six months?