Question about Immune Testing Results

April 19, 2006

Hi,

I've posted before in the past about my son - who has a complement

deficiency - he also has had transient issues with his IgG subclasses

1 & 4.

My daughter, who just turned 8 months old has had 2 major infections

(both at birth - we almost lost her with the pneumonia), several

viral infections, and 4 ear infections in 3 months. After the 3rd

infection they put her on Bactrim and she had a break-through

infection while on the Bactrim. They did testing on her complements

and her immunoglobulins. Her complements haven't come back yet - but

her IgA was low and IgG was low (they didn't do subclasses). The

doctor said they were not severely low - but that, due to my son's

issues with his immune system - that she should also be seen by

immunology.

My son is seeing a doctor at Duke in May and the PCP suggested we

bring her results as well and have him take a look at it.

My girlfriend (who has a son with CVID) said that immune testing at 8

months isn't accurate (from what she understood) and I guess I am

just wondering if her low values are a result of inaccuracy OR if

it's just a true reflection of what we've been seeing - which is

infection after infection and cold after cold.

I can't remember if these are the exact numbers, but I think her

result was 5.9 for IgA and 121 for IgG. I will be getting a copy of

the labs when the complement functions are in - so if these numbers

are incorrect - I will post the actual numbers - but for some reason

I think this is what I saw on the sheet.

The doctor said that, for her age - these numbers are low - but not

dangerously low. Her CBC was normal. Those were the only tests he

did so far (CBC, Immunoglobulins, CH50, C3, C4)

Anyone have thoughts? Can anyone help me understand what IgA is? My

son didn't have any issues with IgA. I only know that this isn't

something 'serious' but it is something that should be addressed. I

called my son's immuno here in state and his office is booked until

JULY....so I guess the only place I have to get SOME type of answer

til then is here...I'd appreciate any guidance. I know you all have

so much experience and understanding and I am looking forward to

hearing your opinions.

Thank you for your time!

Stefani

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