Hypogammaglobulinemia

Hypogammaglobulinemia is an immune system disorder in which not enough gamma globulins are produced in the blood, the name joining hypo-, gamma, globulin and -emia. The result is a lower antibody count, which impairs the immune system and increases the risk of infection. It may result from a variety of primary genetic immune system defects, such as common variable immunodeficiency, or from secondary effects such as medication, blood cancer, poor nutrition, or loss of gamma globulins in the urine, as in nonselective glomerular proteinuria. Because immune function is reduced, patients are advised to avoid live vaccines and to take precautions when travelling to regions with endemic disease or poor sanitation, including immunizations, safe drinking water, antibiotics abroad and continuation of any immunoglobulin infusions they need.