IgG and IgM deficiency with B Cell depletion and RA

[cassie]

i was recently diagnosed with both IgG and IgM deficiencies. Interestingly I have been 100% B cell depleted for over three years and unknown how long before that. I have taken a number of drugs for RA in past but one would not expect depletion to go to 100% and never improve. B cells are responsible foe immunity. Any comments from pts with similar issue, deficiency following RA treatment or comments please add whatever you know about such depletion and failure to regenerate.please contribute whatever you know

[irishgirl]

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum Cassie. I don't know to much about what you have been diagnosed but could the drugs that you take for RA be linked? Are they going to put you on IVIG?

Emma

[perfectlypeg]

Hey, that could be my diagnosis, except I am IgA deficient too. I've never been diagnosed with RA though.
I believe that immune deficiency eventually leads to all of the Ig's becoming deficient depending on age, severity, length of time battling the issues.
I have been having kidney symptoms for a couple of years and I couldn't find a doctor to address the problem. I finally discovered that I now have something called IgA Neuopath or berger syndrome, something like that. No treatment for it but they say it is slow developing before needing dialysis. One by one, my organs are getting into the game of survival.
Perfectlypeg

[cassie]

Possibility IgG deficiency is result of rituxan which wiped out my B Cells. I have had no B cells for at least 4 years and so am told likely they will never regenerate. No B celle means nothing to build immunity. So likely will need IVIG for rest of life. Treatments successfully keep numbers up and prevent infection. IGM deficiency does not change-no improvement. Good news is I have not been sick since starting treatment a year ago.

I am taking Gammagard every 4 weeks at infusion center. Takes 4-5 hours. With premeds and slow infusion I have no side effects except sleepiness day of administration. Doc jus says "keep with program"

Guess I just need to be grateful for the diagnosis and all those who one way or another provide plasma for the IgG.