Secondary antibody deficiency

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014 May;10(5):583-91. doi: 10.1586/1744666X.2014.902314. Epub 2014 Mar 31.

Abstract

Secondary antibody deficiencies are defined by a quantitative or qualitative decrease in antibodies that occur most commonly as a consequence of renal or gastrointestinal immunoglobulin loss, hematological malignancies and corticosteroid, immunosuppressive or anticonvulsant medications. Patients with hematological malignancies or requiring immunosuppressive medications are known to be at increased risk of infection, but few studies directly address this relationship in the context of antibody deficiency. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing infections in primary and some secondary antibody deficiencies. The commonly encountered causes of secondary antibody deficiencies and their association with infection-related morbidity and mortality are discussed. Recommendations are made for screening and clinical management of those at risk.

MeSH terms

  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive / methods*
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology
  • Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / chemically induced
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infections / chemically induced
  • Infections / drug therapy*
  • Infections / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Immunosuppressive Agents