[torimooney]

Hypogammaglobulinemia

by torimooney on Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:23 pm

Is this diagnosis normal after achieving a complete response. I am currently on maintenance of dex and Velcade. I believe the treatment can drive down the immunoglobulins and therefore produce hypo­gamma­globulinemia. Despite this, I have a remarkable ability to ward off illness/ infection. Are we all diagnosed with this once we achieve CR and maintenance continues?

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Hypogammaglobulinemia

by Dr. Edward Libby on Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:54 pm

Hi Torimooney,

I must admit I am not exactly sure what your question is but I shall try to fill in some gaps.

It is common for patients with multiple myeloma to have low im­muno­globu­lins (antibodies). If they are measured what the doctor will see is that the affected im­muno­globulin is high (say for instance in a patient with IgG myeloma the IgG will be high) and the unaffected im­muno­globu­lins (IgA and IgM) are low. Low immunoglobulins can increase the risk of bacterial infections. Most patients with myeloma do not have a problem with recurrent infections but some have real problems with pneumonia, sinus infections etc.

One approach to recurrent or serious infections in myeloma patients is to give replacement im­muno­globulins (gathered from normal volunteers) intravenously once per month. This can help to protect the patient from further infections. Not everyone with low immunoglobulins has serious infections but some do and it can be a life-threatening problem. I am glad that you have not encountered this problem.

Best of luck in your journey with this difficult disease.

[torimooney]

Re: Hypogammaglobulinemia

by torimooney on Thu Oct 17, 2013 12:54 pm

Thank you Dr. Libby.