Immunological and clinical features of pediatric patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia in Taiwan
Journal
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
1
Pages
25-31
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and immunological features as well as the outcome of children with a diagnosis of primary hypogammaglobulinemia, who were treated at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 1984 and 2001. A total of 33 patients were enrolled: seventeen patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CAD), six patients with selective immunoglobulin deficiencies (one subclass IgA and five IgG), four patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), three patients with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) and three patients with X-linked (Bruton) agammaglobullnemia (XLA). In addition to recurrent sinopulmonary infections and prolonged fever, allergic diseases are noted in 76% of CVID patients and 100% of patients with selective immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulin levels were extremely low in XLA and decreased in CAD patients. Three SCID patients had decreased mean absolute lymphocyte counts of 290/mm3. Long-term complications included bronchiectasis in 2 XLA patients, 2 CVID patients and 1 patient with selective immunodeficiency; short stature in one of each XLA, SCID, and CVID patients respectively; poor school performance in 2 SCID patients and 1 XLA patient; and hemolytic anemia in 1 CVID patient. We concluded that in addition to a thorough physical examination, a family history of early death from infection and past history of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, are crucial in evaluating a patient with suspicious primary hypogammaglobulinemia. The associated symptoms of primary hypogammaglobulinemia, such as recurrent sinopulmonary infections, prolonged fever and allergic diseases, are also diagnostic clues. In the treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia, early and regular high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) supplement may avoid the development or decrease the severity of bronchiectasis.
SDGs
Other Subjects
immunoglobulin; immunoglobulin A; immunoglobulin G; allergic disease; article; aseptic meningitis; bronchiectasis; cause of death; child; clinical article; clinical feature; combined immunodeficiency; common variable immunodeficiency; comorbidity; controlled study; diagnostic value; disease severity; drug megadose; family history; female; fever; headache; hemolytic anemia; human; hypogammaglobulinemia; immunoglobulin A deficiency; immunoglobulin blood level; immunoglobulin deficiency; immunoglobulin G deficiency; immunology; intellectual impairment; lung infection; lymphocyte count; male; newborn jaundice; outcomes research; physical examination; recurrent infection; retrospective study; short stature; symptomatology; Taiwan; transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy; university hospital; X linked agammaglobulinemia; Agammaglobulinemia; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Taiwan; Treatment Outcome
Type
journal article