Antibody deficiency states in children

In more than 2500 immunoelectrophoreses and quantitative immunoglobulin determinations 19 cases of transitory hypogammaglobulinaemia, two cases of sex-linked congenital agammaglobulinaemia, six cases of selective IgA deficiency and nine cases of dysgammaglobulinaemia were diagnosed. In congenital agammaglobulinaemia life-long substitution with gammaglobulin must be instituted. Transitory hypogammaglobulinaemia which occurs mostly at the beginning of the second trimenon usually regresses spontaneously at the age of 15 to 18 months. The increased susceptibility to infections can be overcome by gammaglobulin administration. Dysgammaglobulinaemias with serum concentrations below 400 mg/dl also require gammaglobulin supplements. In IgA deficiency the greatest possible care as regards substitution is indicated because of the danger of severe anaphylactic reactions.