Serum IgE concentrations in hypogammaglobulinaemia and selective IgA deficiency. Studies on patients and family members.
Serum IgE levels in twelve patients with adult `acquired' hypogammaglobulinaemia were markedly reduced. In addition, seventeen of fifty first degree relatives and spouses had low IgE levels. IgE levels varied among patients with selective IgA deficiency and a combined deficiency did not necessarily predispose to recurrent infections. This study suggests that the absence of IgE in certain immune deficiency states does not, by itself, decrease resistance to infection.