Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency in children with diabetes mellitus

What is it about?

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ternopil region (western Ukraine). Serum IgA levels were measured in 240 patients aged 4–17 years with DM and in 324 children of a control group of the same age. Normal IgA level was observed in 210 (87.5%) patients, increased—in 18 (7.5%), decreased (lower than the age reference value)—in 12 (5.0%) patients with DM. The mean IgA level in patients with DM was 152.11±73.78 mg/dL. SIgAD criteria were met by 7 (2.9%) children with DM, but none of the children of the control group met the SIgAD criteria. Female / male ratio among the patients with SIgAD was 1/6. There was no history of recurrent infections in these patients. No correlation between IgA and HbA1c levels was detected. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in 42.9% of patients with DM and SIgAD, and in 3.5% of patients with DM and normal or increased IgA levels. Thus, the prevalence of selective IgA deficiency in children with DM in Ternopil region (Ukraine) is 2.9% (1:34). This study shows that patients with low IgA levels need further re-examination of IgA levels to exclude SIgAD. Children with SIgAD and DM should be monitored for autoimmune manifestations that may affect the course and consequences of the disease.

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Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our findings show that the prevalence of selective IgA deficiency in children with diabetes mellitus is higher than in healthy children. Children with selective IgA deficiency and diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of autoimmune thyroiditis and they should be monitored for autoimmune manifestations that may affect the course and consequences of the disease.

Perspectives