Transitory and persistent IgA deficiency. Reevaluation of 19 pediatric patients once found to be deficient in serum IGA.

In 21 out of 5181 serum samples tested between 1968 and 1977 IgA was not detectable. In this subsequent study, 19 individuals could be reinvestigated by clinical and laboratory methods. At reevaluation 26% showed high, 16% normal and 58% subnormal serum IgA. Late maturation of the IgA system therefore occurs frequently. Lack of secretory IgA was proven in 16% and the material used were tears: even in the group with subnormal IgA clinical manifestations are minimal. Development, compensatory mechanisms and criteria for a new definition of selective IgA deficiency are discussed.