Immunoglobulin A, G and E levels in children seen in the Immunology clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Immunodeficiencies are diseases produced by qualitative or quantitative alterations in the components of the immune system, they are frequently associated with infectious diseases.

Objective: to describe the alterations in the levels of immunoglobulins A, G and E of children under five years of age seen in the Immunology Service of Juan de la Cruz Northern Children Hospital in Santiago de Cuba.

Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2019. Sixty children between zero and five years old treated for recurrent infections in the period were  studied. Variables such as age, sex, area of origin, main symptoms, alterations found on physical examination, associated infections, types of immunodeficiencies and the presence of allergies were analyzed. Absolute frequency and percentage were used as summary measures.

Results: Fifty seven children were immunodeficient.  There were 33.3 % were under  one year, 55 % were males and 45 % females, while 75 % came from rural areas. Decay, fever and loss of appetite predominated as symptoms, and lymphadenopathy was outstanding on physical examination. There was a higher proportion of respiratory and skin infections, and a relationship was found between immunodeficiencies and allergies.

Conclusions: immunodeficiencies are frequent in the first years of life in relation to the immaturity of the immune system, mainly in males. They are frequently associated with infectious diseases, generally of the respiratory system or skin, as well as allergic processes, the IgA deficit has been the most found.