Abstract

FERREIRA, L et al. Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Children with Recurrent Infections. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2010, vol.37, n.2, pp.123-126. ISSN 1683-9803.

Recurrent infections in children are usually due to humoral immunity disorders. Our objective was to determine serum immunoglobulin levels in children with recurrent infections. We included 17 children (six females and 11 males) with an average age of 5 years (0-14 years) during the period of March 2006 to July 2007. After parental consent, we recorded their data on a chart and took blood samples. Determination of immunoglobulin levels was done by radial immunodiffusion and chemiluminescence. Pneumonia was the most frequently reported type of infection. IgA levels found were <5 mg/dl in 2 patients (12%); IgG <400 mg/dl in 2 patients (12%); IgM >250 mg/dl in 11 patients (64.7%), and IgE levels >91 mg/dl in 13 patients (77%).In this series of 17 patients with recurrent infections we found two patients (12%) diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency involving IgG deficiency. Immunological assessment of patients with recurrent infections is of great importance because it helps reach early diagnosis that improves prognosis and helps avoids complications for patients.

Keywords : Primary immunodeficiency; immunoglobulin; recurrent infections.

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