Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy is a form of
hypogammaglobulinemia
Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system in which not enough gamma globulins are produced in the blood (thus '' hypo-'' + ''gamma'' + ''globulin'' + '' -emia''). This results in a lower antibody count, which impairs the immune sys ...
appearing after birth, leading to a reduction in the level of
IgG
Immunoglobulin G (Ig G) is a type of antibody. Representing approximately 75% of serum antibodies in humans, IgG is the most common type of antibody found in blood circulation. IgG molecules are created and released by plasma B cells. Each IgG ...
, and also sometimes
IgA and
IgM
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is one of several isotypes of antibody (also known as immunoglobulin) that are produced by vertebrates. IgM is the largest antibody, and it is the first antibody to appear in the response to initial exposure to an antig ...
.
(The ratios of
immunoglobulins vary rapidly in all infants, and the term
dysgammaglobulinemia
Dysgammaglobulinemia is a type of immune disorder characterized by a reduction in some types of gamma globulins, resulting in heightened susceptibility to some infectious diseases where primary immunity is antibody based.
It is distinguished from ...
, although theoretically applicable, is not usually used in this context.)
It can result in increased infections, but it can also present without symptoms.
Pathophysiology
Normally, a newborn's immunoglobulins come from the mother during pregnancy and wane after birth until 3-6 months of age, when the infant begins to start to produce their own IgG. However, in transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, the IgG synthesis is delayed, and the hypogammaglobulinemia is prolonged beyond age 6 months.
See also
*
List of cutaneous conditions
References
External links
Noninfectious immunodeficiency-related cutaneous conditions
Predominantly antibody deficiencies
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