Hypogammaglobulinemia

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of gamma globulins, including immunoglobulins, in the blood. This can lead to an increased susceptibility to infection.

Causes

Hypogammaglobulinemia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Primary immunodeficiency diseases such as Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)
• Secondary immunodeficiency due to conditions such as protein-losing enteropathy, nephrotic syndrome, and burns
• Certain medications, including corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and immunosuppressants
• Malnutrition

Symptoms

The main symptom of hypogammaglobulinemia is an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly bacterial infections of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinemia typically involves blood tests to measure the levels of immunoglobulins. Other tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scan to identify any infections

Treatment

Treatment for hypogammaglobulinemia typically involves treating any underlying conditions and preventing infections. This may include:

• Immunoglobulin replacement therapy
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections
• Vaccinations to prevent infections

See also

• Immunodeficiency
• Immunoglobulin therapy
• Primary immunodeficiency

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