IgA in epileptics receiving anticonvulsant therapy.

Epilepsy is a common disorder and requires long-term drug treatment. Epileptics on anticonvulsant therapy have often been reported to have a depressed immune system, especially an IgA deficiency. An association with clinical manifestations has not yet been clearly explored. So far investigations have been performed in Whites only. The objectives of this study were to assess if there is a racial difference in the immune response to anticonvulsants between Blacks and Whites and to establish the clinical significance of the IgA deficiency. Our results showed normal IgA values in Black and White epileptics on anticonvulsant therapy. This implies, at least at the present stage, that patients do not require immunological monitoring or protective measurements. Further studies including the determination of secretory IgA might help to explain the discrepancy between our findings and the literature and should provide deeper insight into the correlation between potential immune disturbances and clinical implications.