Hypogammaglobulinaemia is defined as reduced serum immunoglobulin (antibody) levels. It can be primary (congenital) or secondary. It can present in childhood and in adults, and can affect both sexes.
Primary hypogammaglobulinaemia may have a delay of several years between clinical presentation and diagnosis. The most common cause is common variable immunodeficiency.
Secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia may occur in:
Increased loss of immunoglobulins can also be associated with protein-losing enteropathy (such as from inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune enteropathy, intestinal lymphangiectasia) or severe nephrotic syndrome - although most patients with nephrotic syndrome have preserved immunoglobulin levels.
Reference
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