Descriptive review of clinical data from 186 records of outpatients with IgA deficiency accompanied at a quaternary hospital in Brazil

Abstract

Background IgA Deficiency (IgAD) is the most common immunoglobulin deficiency, with approximate incidence of 1 in 400 to 3000 individuals in general population. Selective IgA deficiency is defined as serum IgA levels less than 7 mg/dL with normal serum IgM and IgG levels. A subgroup of individuals, with more than 7 mg/dL but less than 30 mg/dL of serum IgA, are defined as partial IgA deficient patients (pIgAD). Many individuals with selective IgA deficiency are clinically asymptomatic. However, some patients have increased incidence of infections, mainly in respiratory and intestinal tracts, as well as presence of atopy, autoimmunity and cancer.