3Yo with Positive ANA and Low IgA

I'm sorry you're 3 year old is having these health problems.

Basicly, the concern is that his immune system is not up to speed (low IgA) or possibly a bit bananas ( +ANA).

There is probably some issue with his immune system and you are headed to the right kind of specialist.

I've got a high ANA and my immune system is a bit "bananas", but it so far is in a harmless way. I get hives randomly. Whe the immune system has issues, there is a large range of things that can happen from serious to relatively benign.

ANA and igA are very non-specific tests. I would expect a battery of blood work at the specialist. Best wishes.

A.,

This is a listing of Pediatric Rheumatologists I found online. I work at Baylor Institute for Immunology Research where Virginia Pascual also works. I know they have had some amazing results with treatment for juvenile arthritis. I will be praying for you and your daughter. I believe God can heal and loves and cares for us more than we can comprehend.

A.

Listing Pediatric or Pediatric Rheumatology Board Certified Members
Listing Members Providing Patient Care

Katherine L. Madson, MD, PhD
Pediatric Rheumatology MC 9063
UTSouthwestern
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75390-9063
Ofc: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
Time Spent: Patient Care, Teaching, Research-Clinical
Disciplines: Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatrics
Member Type: Fellow Member

M Virginia Pascual, MD
Baylor Institute for Immunol R
3434 Live Oak
Dallas, TX 75204
Ofc: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
Time Spent: Research-Basic Science, Patient Care, Teaching
Disciplines: Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatrics
Member Type: Fellow Member

Marilynn G. Punaro, MD
Pediatric Rheumatology
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, TX 75219
Ofc: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
Time Spent: Patient Care, Teaching, Research-Clinical
Disciplines: Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatrics
Locations: Hospital, School-College or University
Member Type: Fellow Member

Matthew Stoll, MD, PhD
Pediatrics
UT Southwestern Med Ctr
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75390-9063
Ofc: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
Time Spent: Research-Clinical, Patient Care, Administration
Disciplines: Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatrics
Locations: School-College or University
Member Type: Fellow Member

Tracey Wright, MD
Pediatrics/Rheumatology
Univ of TX Southwestern
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 78290
Ofc: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
Time Spent: Research-Basic Science, Patient Care
Disciplines: Internal Medicine, Researcher-Clinical
Locations: School-College or University
Member Type: Fellow Member

Others have provided good info. I just wanted to add that they are finding that celiac disease is often the trigger for these other autoimmune diseases. And, many folks get remission of symptoms for diseases like RA, Lupus, etc. with a gluten-free diet. Your daughter may have the DR4 gene, which is which gives one the predisposition for RA. For Lupus, it' DR2 and DR3.

Also, note that Lyme isn't really an autoimmune disease as someone else noted. It is a bacterial infection (spirochete form). However, it does trigger autoimmune diseases. So, many folks with RA may actually have been exposed to Lyme disease.

I've dealt with all of this (including Lyme) and a gluten-free diet has helped tremendously - it's the number one thing that has helped me to heal. Unfortunately, most of these specialists are clueless. Most know nothing about how food can negatively impact our bodies. Most were taught that celiac is rare (it's not - it's one of the most common genetic disorders AND there are 2 million + people yet to be diagnosed). I can't urge you enough to have this considered. However, you have to keep in mind that with the low IgA, antibody tests will NOT be conclusive. Mine were just high normal and the doctor I talked to said that is indicative for someone with low IgA. The most accurate test for gluten intolerance (that catches 100% of celiac) is enterolab: www.enterolab.com
You can do this test without a doctor's order.

I cannot urge you enough to ask the Rheumatologist about the potential for celiac and if he says there is none, to find another doctor or do the testing on your own, since the former might be difficult. There is LOTs of medical/scientific research in this area (much within the past few years). This is why I've had to learn so much myself - so few doctors know anything at all about this (I would guess it's less than 1% if that).

A.,

If you have been reading things online, you probably already know that it is likely an auto-immune issue...and to me, it sounds like it could be some form of SLE (lupus)...but there is no way to know for sure until a rheumatologist does a lot more blood work. Good Luck to you and your daughter!

Hi, A.!

I work for a company as a sales representative and we call on healthcare providers in the integrative healthcare industry -Naturopathic Doctors, Chiropractors, Nutritionists, etc. On our website, www.neurorelief.com, I found the following information as it relates to IgA: "Serum Food Sensitivity Profiles should be performed if intestinal issues are present, the intestinal barrier is thought to be compromised, or if results from the Intestinal Barrier Function Test indicate the presence of dietary peptides. IgA and IgG can be used to assess food sensitivities. IgA is produced upon initial exposure to dietary peptides and has a short half-life. As a result, IgA may be indicative of new or active immune reactions. IgG is produced upon repeated exposure
to offending dietary peptides and has a longer half-life than IgA. Therefore, IgG may be more indicative of on-going food sensitivities. The assessment of both IgA and IgG offers the most complete picture."

IgA is immunoglobulin A, which is a type of antibody that protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways and digestive tract. IgA deficiency is inherited. An autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis could develop, which is probably why you were recommended to a rheumatologist.

ANA stands for antinuclear antibody test and is typically ordered when an autoimmune disorder is suspected.

Based on the results of the tests your daughter had run, it seems that she could have some sort of autoimmune disorder. However, knowing what I know about the differences in most traditional MD's and integrative (or complimentary) health care providers, I would start with someone in the integrative medicine field, simply because more often than not, these doctors are more interested in finding the source of the problem and implementing a solution, rather than just dispensing medication that will only help reduce symptoms, but not necessarily solve the problem. I have 2 daughters and this is absolutely the next step I would take with them. If you're interested in some doctors who work in this field of medicine, please let me know where in the DFW metroplex you're located and I'll get some names to you.

I wish the very best for your daughter and family!

Sincerely,

S. K.

What prompted you to get the testing in the first place?
Skin issues, constant illness (for example: ear infections, colds, etc.), falling off the growth chart, something else?

It's fantastic you trusted your mommy insticts in knowing that somtheing is wrong, but you are not quite sure what.

This can and will be a long process to getting her well. It will not happen overnight. 1) Read and research when you can. 2) Join a support group for your sanity, whether it be on-line or in person. Other parents have gone through what you have. 3) Don't be afraid to ask the Drs a million questions. 4) If you are not comfortable with or do not trust your Drs - switch to different ones.

Also, I have to agree with Mary B about the Celiac disease being the most under diagnosed auto-immune disease. Are you or your spouse of Northern European descent? Celiac disease is 1 in 80 to 1 in 133 in caucasians of Northern European descent. AND 97% of people who have Celiac disease don't know that they have it!

For Celiac, I tested with ImmunoLabs in FL. It was $78 out of pocket for the 3 gliadin tests. There are some MDs who will order ImunoLabs test, but most are chiropractors or naturopaths.

Best wishes in finding some answers soon. Remember to take some time for you (eat good, relax, do a hobby) so that you can be the best mom to your little girl and focus on getting her healthy!

Hi A.! From the info. you gave, the positive ANA could mean an autoimmune disorder (lupus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Now, there would be more blood work to rule out those in addition to the ANA. I am not sure about the low IgA. Definitely, follow up with the pediatric rheumatologist. Take care!

Usually that means an autoimmune disease, but there are so many. Lupus, rhuematoid arthritis or even Lyme Disease....and more. I'm suprised they did not do an RA Factor on her as well, but don't fret too much. A lot of times childhood illnesses like mono, fifths disease and other tempoary illnesses can cause your ANA to be wacked out. Wait till you see the RA doc and she'll run more tests to find out more.

Hi A. -
I don't know if you have seen this already but this is what I pulled off the internet.

ANA are autoantibodies that are directed against certain components found in the nucleus (center) of a cell.

A positive ANA result means that you have a higher than “normal” concentration of these antibodies. This is one of the tools in diagnosing lupus as well as several other autoimmune diseases, so a positive result may be related to lupus or another disease. Or you may simply have a higher than normal concentration of these autoantibodies that may not have any impact on your health. Even among people with lupus, these results can vary widely; one person can be in remission at a certain titer of ANA while another can be extremely ill at the same titer. Autoimmune diseases often have a systemic effect on the body and are very complex by nature. Interpreting what these results mean for you is the work of your doctor. And your doctor may need to compare your test results as well as the severity of your symptoms over a period of time in order to make a definitive diagnosis. This additional time may also allow your doctor the opportunity to eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms.

IgA stands for immunoglobulin A, one of the classes of immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) that are in the blood. IgA is important in protecting 'mucosal surfaces' - the linings of the tracts of the body, e.g. the lungs, and is secreted in saliva and tears. It protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways, and digestive tract.

What doctor did you see that determined that your IgA and IgG levels were low? What that is is a Primary Immune deficiency. What course of action did your dr say to follow? You should go to web for some information. Lot's of good stuff out there.
Check out www.primaryimmune.com (http://www.primaryimmune.com)
I hope this helps.
Take Care

I just wanted to add my experiences for you. I don't have any experience or knowledge of the positive ANA, but as a child I was diagnosed with extremely low IgA and IgG 3. I was VERY sick before the age of 5, and at one point a doctor told my parents I may not live. Now, I'm 27 and healthier than my husband and son! I was on preventative antibiotics for several years, and did get gamaglobulin infusions, but it seems like from my teenage years on, I've gotten better and better. The only thing I can say now, is that when I do get sick, it sometimes takes me longer to get over it, and I am more prone to things like bronchitis and eye infections. I also have asthma that now only really acts up when I get sick (lots of upper respiratory stuff here...)

It's so wonderful that you are on your way to finding out what's wrong with your daughter so you can effectively help her. Years ago, when I was a baby, so much less what known about the immune system, and it took a long time for them to be able to tell my parents why I was so sick.

Like I said, I'm 27 now (almost 28 - ahhhh!!!) and only get sick a couple of times a year! I lead a normal life, and do not have to take any medications on a regular basis. I have learned so much from my history, that I am even more equipped to care for my son and watch for signs of anything in him.

Your daughter is lucky to have you to research this, and to find her the best care possible, and she too will grow up to have a family of her own, and live a happy, healthy life!

Hi A.,

My youngest son had a positive ANA with a low IGG (instead of IGA) subclass 2&4. The docs called it an immune deficiency disorder and he was on maintenance antibiotics for the first two years of his life. He was scheduled to have gammagobulins (via IV) but took a turn for the better. Now, at seven years old, you would never know there was anything wrong when he was younger. Try not to stress over this information too much. Take her to the Rheumatologist and get further testing. Sometimes, when these children turn two, their immune systems "kicks in" and they experience much less difficulty but, since your child is older, this just may be a little kink you have to work through to keep her healthy and you are headed in the right direction. A positive ANA does not always mean your child has something as severe as lupus, as a matter of fact, I would say it doesn't mean that in most cases! Shame on those doctors for giving you that information on the phone where you could not get answers to your questions so you could understand it all!

Take care,
J.

They're referring you to a Pediatric Rheumatologist because they're concerned that she has - or was born at increased risk for - some kind of auto immune disease. There's a full gamut, but the most common one in kids is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

They don't give you a lot of information because they don't HAVE a lot of information - and I have even less. I do have a word of advice, though.

Don't worry. Pray. Go see the specialist - who will run more tests than anyone dreamed possible. Follow his advice, or get a second opinion if you just can't agree with it. Lean on your support network.

S.

I can help naturally. I do nutrition response testing. I am getting amazing results with the kids. Call us and talk to us about it.
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I don't know what it means, but I do know my sister was once told she had a high ANA which probably meant she had lupus. She was sent to a rheumatologist and SHE DID NOT have lupus. As it turned out high ANA runs in our family. Try to get into a doc asap and stay off the internet. wait and see......