Most patients with IgA and/or IgG subclass deficiency are asymptomatic but some may suffer from frequent mainly respiratory infections. Recurrent ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia are the most frequently observed illnesses in patients with
IgG subclass deficiencies. Both males and females may be affected. Some patients will show an increased frequency of infection beginning in their second year of life; in other patients the onset of infections may occur later. In general, the infections suffered by patients with selective
IgG subclass deficiencies are not as severe as those suffered by patients who have marked deficiencies of IgG, IgA and
IgM(for example X-linked agammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency). Occasionally, subclass deficient patients have suffered recurrent episodes of meningitis or bacterial infections of the bloodstream (e.g. sepsis).
Diagnosis
Diagnostic recommendations
Additional Information
Research programs, clinical trials
- Improved Healthcare for Patients with Primary Antibody Deficiencies through new Strategies Elucidating their Pathophysiology (IMPAD), IMPAD
- European Initiative for Primary Immunodeficiencies
- Immune Regulation in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency and Related Syndromes, ClinicalTrials.gov