In transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, production of normal amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in infants is delayed.

At birth, the immune system is not fully developed. Most of the immunoglobulins in infants are those produced by the mother and transferred via the placenta before birth. Immunoglobulins from the mother protect infants against infection until infants start to produce their own, usually by age 6 months. About the same time, levels of immunoglobulins from the mother start to decrease. In infants with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, production of normal amounts of immunoglobulins is delayed. As a result, immunoglobulin levels become low starting at age 3 to 6 months and return to normal at about age 12 to 36 months. The condition rarely leads to serious infections and is not thought to be a true immunodeficiency.

This condition is more common among premature infants because they receive fewer immunoglobulins from the mother. Although the condition is present at birth, it is not hereditary.

Blood tests are done to measure levels of immunoglobulins and to evaluate immunoglobulin production in response to vaccines. Most infants with the disorder produce normal amounts of antibodies in response to the vaccines they are given and to infectious organisms they are exposed to. Therefore, they do not have a problem with infections and need no treatment. However, some infants, particularly those born prematurely, have frequent infections. These infants may be given antibiotics to prevent infections from developing. This disorder usually resolves without treatment.

Last full review/revision September 2008 by Rebecca H. Buckley, MD