SERUM IgE CONCENTRATIONS IN HYPOGAMMA-GLOBULINAEMIA 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]