immunology allergic disorders
Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of Infancy
Introduction
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy is a temporary decrease in serum IgG and sometimes IgA and other immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes to levels below age-appropriate normal values. (See also Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders and Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy is a Primary Immunodeficiencies that involves The condition rarely leads to significant infections and is not thought to be a true immunodeficiency. The condition is usually asymptomatic. However, a few patients develop sinopulmonary or gastrointestinal infections, Candidiasis , and/or Diagnosis of transient hypogammaglobulinemia is based on low serum Ig levels (at least 2 standard deviations below the mean for age) and tests showing that antibody production in response to vaccine antigens (eg, tetanus, diphtheria) is normal. Thus, this condition can be distinguished from permanent forms of hypogammaglobulinemia, in which specific antibodies to vaccine antigens are not produced. Patients with recurrent infections can be temporarily treated with prophylactic antibiotics. Replacement of missing immune components is usually unnecessary. Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy may persist for months to a few years but usually resolves. 