Gender, age and seasonal effects on IgA deficiency: a study of 7293 Caucasians

Abstract

Background: The frequency of serum IgA deficiency (SIgAD) differs between populations. We examined the prevalence of SIgAD in healthy Caucasians.

Materials and methods: Serum immunoglobulin A (SIgA) was measured in 7293 volunteers (2264 women, 5029 men) aged 30 +/- 14.2 years (mean +/- SD; range: 12-66). Serum immunoglobulin A and subnormal SIgA levels were defined by a SIgA level < 0.07 g L(-1), and between 0.07 and 0.7 g L(-1), respectively. Means were compared by analysis of variance (anova) and analysis of covariance (ancova); frequencies by the chi(2) test.

Results: Fifteen subjects (0.21%; one woman, 14 men) had SIgAD. Subnormal SIgA levels were found in 155 persons (2.13%): 21 females (0.93% of the females) and 134 males (2.66% of the males; difference: 1.74%; 95% CI: 1.12-2.33%; P < 0.001). Males were more likely to have subnormal SIgA levels or SIgAD (odds ratio 3.09, 95% CI: 1.97-4.85). The prevalence of SIgAD and subnormal SIgA was lowest in winter (chi(2) = 14.8; P = 0.002; 3 d.f.; and chi(2) = 43.2; P < 0.001; 3 d.f., respectively). Serum immunoglobulin A concentrations were significantly higher during winter. Serum immunoglobulin A levels increased with age on average by 0.2 +/- 0.06 g L(-1) per decade of life (P < 0.001). Taking into account the influence of age, SIgA concentration was lower in females as compared with males.

Conclusion: The prevalence of SIgAD and subnormal SIgA levels is increased in males. There exists a significant influence of gender, age and seasons on SIgA levels.