A rare, primary humoral immunodeficiency of childhood characterized by decreasing serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) as maternal antibodies clear the circulation while serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M remain normal or are slightly decreased. Diagnosis may be suspected after the age of six months when a child's own synthesis of IgG should accelerate but it must be confirmed retrospectively after normalization of all serum immunoglobulin levels is seen by ages 2-6. This disorder may be caused by inadequate activation of progenitor B cells, defective class-switching or may even represent a maturational variant. Typically, a normal response to protein antigens is found while there is a notably diminished response to viral and bacterial polysaccharide antigens. Clinical presentation may include recurrent infections especially those of the respiratory tract. Despite increased susceptibility to infection in childhood, this disorder is self-limited with minimal implications for a normal life span
Symptoms of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
The following features are indicative of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy:
severe ENT infections (ear-nose-throat)
recurrent ENT infections
pneumonia
bronchopneumonia
severe upper respiratory infections
recurrent upper respiratory infections
diarrhea
atopy
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Common Causes of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
The following are the most common causes of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy:
primary immunodeficiency in the normal production of immunoglobulins (Ig)
maturational delay in the normal production of immunoglobulins (Ig)
Prevention of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy.
Occurrence of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Common Age Group
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 1-5 years
Common Gender
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy:
Clinical evaluation: To check for the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)
Complications of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy if untreated
Yes, Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy is left untreated:
frequent ENT infections
frequent respiratory infections
Time for Treatment of Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: