<human>: Hello, our 10 year old son had an IGA test completed. His results on his Kaiser lab results show 0.14 and it indicates that the standard is Can you help me interpret this because I read on your site that a low IGa can be a risk for developing some sort of autoimmune disease. His Grandmother was dx d with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 20. And, I am concerned about his possibility of Celiac disease.
<bot>: Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:1. When there is complete absence of IGA, and it cannot be detected, it is called as IGA deficiency.2. Malnutrition is one of the commonest cause of IGA deficiency. 3. Rheumatoid arthritis can be genetically inherited. However, there are other factors also. If you had rheumatoid arthritis, there is a risk for your son.4. Celiac disease cannot be diagnosed based just on IGA levels. Specific antibody evaluation and Biopsy confirmation is necessary. Abdominal symptoms also need to be present. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.