Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce the number and severity of infections as well as to provide genetic counseling to affected families.

Intravenous infusions of immunoglobulins (IVIG) help boost the immune system by providing the body with the antibodies that are decreased or missing. Routine treatment with IVIG is central to the treatment of this disorder.

Antibiotics are frequently necessary for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment with immune globulins has improved the health of people with agammaglobulinemia. Without treatment, most severe infections are fatal.

Complications:

• Arthritis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic sinus or pulmonary disease
• Eczema
• Intestinal malabsorption syndromes

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child has experienced frequent infections.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a family history of agammaglobulinemia or other immunodeficiency disorder and you are planning to have children -- ask the provider about genetic counseling.