Blood test results are in

[VickyLH]

Hi everyone,

 

We received our son's blood test results. He has elevated ASO titers (not surprising since we had a confirmed strep infection a month ago), strep titers were normal (how is this different from ASO titers?), his IgG was normal, however his IgA was low. Unfortunately the doctor didn't order an Antidnase B test.

 

From the little I have read about IgA deficiency, there's nothing you can do except avoid people who are sick and eat healthy. Is this correct? I've also read that people with IgA deficiency are at an increased risk of anaphylactic reactions when receiving IVIG, but that this is largely preventable.

 

Does anyone else have a PANDAS child with an IgA deficiency who has received IVIG? I feel like this has thrown a wrench into his possible treatment plan.

 

Thanks for any input you might have. Just trying to figure this all out.

 

-Vicky

[P_Mom]

Are you sure it is an actual deficiency and not just low IGA? Having low IGA does not automatically mean you have a deficiency.........what was the number and also, the reference range?

 

It is common for PANDAS kids to have low IGA....but, many of such are not considered to have an actual deficiency and IVIG is not a risk in that regard. (unless it is a true deficiency)

[peglem]

My daughter has very low IgA, don't know if its considered deficient or not. She gets IVIG largely because she has low IgG. But, I think the low IgA is why she seems to have chronic strep when not on abx, and possibly why we don't see typical strep symptoms when that happens. I seem to recall that people with low IgA are at greater risk for developing autoimmunity. Her immunologist does take the precaution of ordering IVIG w/ low IgA content, and she's handled IVIGs without side effects since last May- Just had her 10th or 11th today.

[VickyLH]

Your right, it may just be low and not a deficiency. My husband took the call from the nurse so I don't know the actual number. We've asked for a copy of the lab results so I'll find out soon. It's good to know low IgA is not unusual for PANDAS kids and that IVIG with low IgA content can be used. My son rarely shows the usual signs of strep as well. Years ago when my son had a PANDAS episode (before we knew what it was), I actually thought he was extremely healthy because he NEVER got sick even though his younger brother was ALWAYS sick. Now I realize that he was constantly reacting to his brother during that time - anxiety, tics, mild OCD and ADHD symptoms.

 

Thanks for your replies! I feel a little better now. :-)

 

-Vicky

[browneyesmom]

Yep... get a copy of those labs. My understanding is that it may alter WHAT they give him, but not that he can't get it at all. My DD11 has low IgA & IgG... just completed her second HD IVIG infusion today at Dr. B's infusion center. Her first was inpatient around Christmas.