Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors IgA deficiency may be inherited as either an autosomal dominant or recessive trait. Affected people often have chronic diarrhea from intestinal infections, frequent respiratory infections, and many develop autoimmune disease. Commonly seen autoimmune diseases associated with selective IgA deficiency are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus . People with a complete absence of IgA may develop allergies or anaphylactic shock if given gamma globulin. No specific treatment is available for IgA deficiency.
Some people gradually develop normal levels of IgA .
Individual infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Autoimmune disease treatment is based on the specific autoimmune disorder . Selective IgA deficiency is a somewhat more benign condition than many of the other immunodeficiency diseases. Complications An autoimmune disorder may also develop. Calling Your Health Care Provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if there is a family history of selective IgA deficiency and children are planned.