Elevated IgA and Its Causes

• Chronic Infections or Inflammatory Conditions:
  Increased IgA levels may be observed in persistent mucosal infections or inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Autoimmune Disorders:
  Some autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), may show elevated serum IgA levels.
• Immune Activation:
  Allergic conditions that frequently challenge mucosal surfaces can lead to higher IgA levels as part of an overactive immune response.

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Selective IgA Deficiency

• Most Common Primary Immunoglobulin Deficiency
  Can lead to recurrent respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
  Many individuals with low IgA are asymptomatic.
• Associated Risks
  Increased susceptibility to allergies.
  Higher likelihood of autoimmune conditions (such as celiac disease).
  Greater vulnerability to infections in mucosal regions.
• Developmental Considerations
  Infancy – IgA levels are naturally low and gradually increase as the immune system matures.
  Older Individuals – Changes in immune function can alter IgA levels over time.

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IgA and Its Clinical Importance

• First Line of Defense
  Plays a crucial role in protecting mucosal surfaces from pathogens.
• Deficiency vs. Overproduction
  Deficiency – Increases susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
  Overproduction – Can signal chronic immune activation or certain diseases.
• Broad Clinical Relevance
  Useful for assessing immune function across different age groups and disease states.

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