Symptoms Of Selective IgA Deficiency And Related Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be indicative of selective IgA deficiency due to the fact both disorders are associated with each other. Patients with selective IgA deficiency may produce a small quantity of immunoglobulin A that induces the production of anti-IgA antibodies. These antibodies are the result of a defective immunological response analogous to the incidence of rheumatoid factors in individuals who have autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Between twenty-five and thirty-three percent of selective IgA deficiency patients are also affected by an autoimmune disorder.

Individuals affected by rheumatoid arthritis have immune systems that produce antibodies and T-cells that mistakenly attack the tissues of the synovium or lining of their joints. This immune response results in redness, swelling, pain, bone deformities, and bone erosion in the affected joints. A patient's smaller joints are typically impacted by rheumatoid arthritis at first, like the joints in the toes, feet, fingers, and hands. The disease then progresses on to affect the knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, ankles, and hips.