[IgA deficiency: clinical ans immunological evaluation of 28 patients]

Seventeen patients with total IgA deficiency and II with partial IgA deficiency were investigated. Symptoms associated with IgA deficiency were retrospectively studied, and the levels of other immunoglobulins were measured in blood and in saliva. The most important associated complaints were recurrent upper respiratory infections. More than 50% of the symptomatic patients recovered clinically, associated with a recovery of the IgA level or with compensatory humoral immunological mechanisms (such as elevated IgG subclasses or strongly positive secretory IgM). The necessary diagnostic procedures, follow-up of patients and families are described.