Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency in children with diabetes mellitus: Data from a medical center in Ukraine

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ternopil region (western Ukraine). Serum IgA levels were measured in 240 patients aged 4–17 years with DM and in 324 children of a control group of the same age. Normal IgA level was observed in 210 (87.5%) patients, increased—in 18 (7.5%), decreased (lower than the age reference value)—in 12 (5.0%) patients with DM. The mean IgA level in patients with DM was 152.11±73.78 mg/dL. SIgAD criteria were met by 7 (2.9%) children with DM, but none of the children of the control group met the SIgAD criteria. Female / male ratio among the patients with SIgAD was 1/6. There was no history of recurrent infections in these patients. No correlation between IgA and HbA1c levels was detected. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in 42.9% of patients with DM and SIgAD, and in 3.5% of patients with DM and normal or increased IgA levels. Thus, the prevalence of selective IgA deficiency in children with DM in Ternopil region (Ukraine) is 2.9% (1:34). This study shows that patients with low IgA levels need further re-examination of IgA levels to exclude SIgAD. Children with SIgAD and DM should be monitored for autoimmune manifestations that may affect the course and consequences of the disease.