Abstract

FRANCO-GALLEGO, Alexander et al. Selective Immunoglobulin A deficiency: clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and accurate diagnosis. CES Med. [online]. 2020, vol.34, n.1, pp.64-73. ISSN 0120-8705.  https://doi.org/10.21615/cesmedicina.34.1.6.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant antibody isotype in humans and participates in protection against infections and the development of immune tolerance in mucous membranes. IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency in humans, but it is commonly asymptomatic and transient. To diagnose it, the concentration of IgA in blood is quantified and the magnitude of its decrease is evaluated. According to this evaluation, it is classified as partial deficiency (DPIgA) or total deficiency (DTIgA). Additionally, if only IgA levels are affected without alterations in other serum immunoglobulins such as IgM and IgG or subclasses of IgG, then it is referred to as selective IgA deficiency (DSIgA). Selective IgA deficiency is of greater clinical relevance and considered an innate immunity error, although its etiology is still unknown. This immunodeficiency is clinically associated with respiratory and gas- trointestinal tract infections, allergies and autoimmune manifestations. A search of scientific articles was conducted in bibliographic databases PubMed, Scopus, SciELO and Redalyc on selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. Our objective was to perform a review on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and appropriate clinical management of patients with this immunodeficiency. A new clinical algorithm is proposed in order to improve the diagnosis and provide adequate clinical management of patients with this immunodeficiency. A patient with selective IgA deficiency is characterized by recurrent infections of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, in association with allergic and autoimmune manifestations in individuals older than four years. Serum IgA levels are less than 7 mg/dL, with normal levels of IgG and IgM, and defects related to T lymphocytes or other causes of hypogammaglobulinemia have been ruled out. Regarding clinical management, vaccination schedules should be adjusted and antibiotic prophylaxis should be implemented in severe and recurrent infections. Additionally, to improve prognosis, patient care should be performed by an interdisciplinary medical team and continuous monitoring for a prolonged period of time.

Keywords : Immunoglobulin A (IgA); IgA deficiency; Immunodeficiency; Allergy; autoimmunity.

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