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Date: | Fri, 15 May 2009 08:42:23 -0500 |
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Here is some information to consider for the infant with Linear IgA
Bullous Dermatosis
Infants do not make a lot of their own antibodies. It takes several
years before they are making the level of antibodies in adults.
Because they make very little of their own antibodies they receive
antibodies passively from the mother for protection from infection.
There are two mechanisms for transferring antibody to the infant. The
first way is the transfer of the IgG type of antibody across the
placenta during gestation. The second way is the transfer of
antibodies (primarily the IgA type) during breastfeeding.
It is possible to transfer autoimmune antibodies from the mother to
an infant. This is what happens during neonatal lupus. Autoimmune IgG
antibodies cross the placenta during gestation and the baby then
shows signs of autoimmune disease. These symptoms will go away around
six months of age because by then the maternal IgG antibodies will be
completely degraded.
Since Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis is due to the IgA type & this is
the main type of antibody in breastmilk it is conceivable that
breastmilk is the source of the antibodies. However, I would want to
have some additional information. They need to know the source of the
autoantibodies - is it the mother or the baby?
Has the mother been tested for autoantibodies? Does she have signs of
autoimmunity? It is possible for her to be undiagnosed and be making
the autoantibodies. If she is the source, then cessation of
breastfeeding (hopefully by switching to donor human milk) will
resolve the problem.
On the other hand, if the baby is the source of the autoimmune IgA
antibodies then breastfeeding can continue without any problem.
However, the baby should probably be treated with a course of
predisone to calm down the immune system.
I hope this is helpful.
Warm regards,
Laurie Shornick, PhD
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