[Castaway]

IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Castaway on Sat Feb 24, 2018 1:11 pm

Hello all,

I had an autologous stem cell transplant back in June of 2017. Everything was going well and in fact last month my IgA was at 57, being low but not concerned. Also, my serum kappa free light chain level was 5.7.

My labs that I just had done were much different. My IgA came up to 102. Reference is 73 to 347. My serum kappa level jumped to 22.6. Reference is 3.3 to 19.4.

A couple things. I just started my immunizations about 3 weeks ago. Also, when I did these last labs, I also had the worst chest cold that I have had in years. I am still waiting for the tests for SPEP and IFE. Could having that cold be part of the reason for the increased IgA and kappa levels?

I have read that immunoglobulin A (IgA) "is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in saliva and tears," which makes me wonder if the cold I had is part of the reason for what happened with my lab results.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Castaway

[Ron Harvot]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Ron Harvot on Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:08 am

George,

It is quite possible that your chest cold being a virus had an impact on the your IgA readings. Of courses, it may not have. As I am sure you are aware, a single test does not indicate a trend. I would suggest you just wait to see what the next test shows and try not to worry about it. Your IgA serum level is barely out of the normal range. If it drops back down with the next test, then you have your answer. If not, then your oncologist will also be aware, and the two of you together can plan the next course of action. In the meantime, try and live life to its fullest and take things one step at a time.

Good luck,
Ron

[Castaway]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Castaway on Sun Feb 25, 2018 6:35 pm

Thank you, Ron.

A lot has been going on lately. My Wife had brain surgery and she was in rehab for almost 2 months. Now home and doing ok. But still doing outpatient rehab. I guess I just need to take it one day at a time. Probably get the IFE and SPEP results back on Tuesday. And see my doctor on Wednesday.

Thanks again,
George

[Ian]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Ian on Tue Feb 27, 2018 6:09 am

Hi George,

Just to add a bit to Ron's helpful feedback, I wanted to mention that there have been cases men­tioned here in the forum of people having colds or other infections that have seemed to affect their free light chain lab results.

The case that I remembered almost immediately when I saw your question was K_Shash's. He has written in several postings that a cold once caused his free light chain results to act strangely. When I searched for his postings on the subject, I found an entire thread on the subject:

"Kappa & lambda light chain levels & colds and viruses" (started Sep 25, 2016)

So now I'm very curious about what will have happened with your M-spike result when you get it back.

Cheers!

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Nancy Shamanna on Tue Feb 27, 2018 10:29 am

Hello George,

Hope you are feeling better from your cold now!

I tried to find information regarding getting vaccinations and increased IgA levels, but couldn't find one. I did find information suggesting that increased IgA can be from chronic infections.

Also, an infection may cause an increase in the white blood cell counts, since those cells are mobilizing to fight infection. Did you also have an increased WBC shown in your lab tests?

[Castaway]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Castaway on Mon Mar 05, 2018 9:40 am

Ian and Nancy,

Thank you for your input.

I did see my oncologist, and my SPEP and IFE report reads no monoclonal protein. My WBC did not increase much over last month's test. My oncologist feels that that nasty chest cold is what caused the increase in some of the labs. Just have to see how they look at the next labs and compare.

Thank You, George

[Ian]

Re: IgA and kappa free light chain levels rising

by Ian on Sat Mar 10, 2018 3:45 am

Thanks for this update, George. Let us know what your next labs look like. It will be interesting how much your recent illness affected your test results.

Cheers!