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 *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome