<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi All, On August 4/1999 I posed a question regarding blood antibodies and the potential for adverse reactions when new blood cells are introduced via a transfusion. The original memo is included below for your reference. First, to clarify, when I said IgA deficient what I meant was a complete absence of IgA. I am not clear on all the correct terms, but this co-worker's daughter has no IgA, zero. I received eight responses and summarize herein. Two responses were inquiries and two were miscellaneous comments. Another respondent noted that he/she had heard of this before. Another shared her personal experience and noted that not everyone who is IgA deficient builds up the antibodies. If the antibodies do not build up, there is no related blood transfusion problem. Finally, two other respondents included web page references. The first, http://www.icondata.com/health/pedbase/files/SELECTIV.HTM deals with a "reduction in the production of IgA antibodies resulting in recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections." This is a different issue. I include the page for your reference. The second web page provided was very informative. It is, http://www.jmfworld.com/html/selective_iga_deficiency.html It deals with "Selective IgA Deficiency." I include the following quote for your reference. "Another, more unusual form of allergy that occurs in persons who have a total absence of IgA is an allergic reaction to IgA. Exposure through blood products containing IgA causes some IgA deficient individuals to develop antibodies against this foreign protein. In some cases, no previous exposure to blood or blood products is known but such an antibody appears anyway. If an anti-IgA antibody develops, a massive allergic reaction can result during blood or plasma transfusions. If possible, IgA deficient persons who need blood should be tested for autoantibodies (antibodies to the body's own tissues) to IgA before receiving blood products containing IgA. If autoantibodies exist, the IgA deficient person could receive washed red blood cells, or blood products from another blood type matched IgA deficient donor or from an autologous (from one's own body) blood donation." from http://www.jmfworld.com/html/selective_iga_deficiency.html I believe this is an issue that all celiacs should understand. If you are IgA deficient you may build up antibodies. If you then receive a blood transfusion the presense of these antibodies could cause a severe allergic reaction. There is no certainty, but this may happen. A medic alert bracelet is highly recommended. If you are aware of a future need for a transfusion, e.g. major surgery, consider banking your own blood, or at least testing for the antibodies. Thank you to all respondents. Regards, Stephen (father of Braden, 5) Original Memo ------------------------------------ Hi Folks, I've just had a co-worker mention what I believe is a new twist - at least for me - for celiac disease. Her daughter has been diagnosed as IgA deficient but not celiac. Her problems are celiac-like, as in digestive issues, diarrhea, etc. But this is what surprised me. The doctor said that because she is IgA deficient, her blood could build up certain antibodies, especially after some significant trauma, such as child birth. And then, once the antibodies were in place, if this girl is given a blood transfusion, there could be serious complications. Something to do with the antibodies reacting with the introduced (via the transmission) blood cells. The girl will be wearing a medic alert bracelet for the rest of her life to warn health practitioners about this antibody concern. She will also be banking her own blood. Is this something that celiacs should worry about? Have any of you heard of this before? I will summarize. --------------------------------------------------------- **-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-** ** Stephen H. Southern, B.Math., M.B.A. ** Analyst - Financial Systems and Processes, H.O. Finance ** The Economical Insurance Group ** ** Phone: 1 (519) 570-8500 x2614 ** Fax: 1 (519) 570-8697 or 1 (800) 310-5092 ** Email: [log in to unmask]