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2 Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of X-linked agammaglobulinemia include frequent infections of
inner ear,
sinuses
respiratory tract.
It may heal with medications but it occurs again and again.
Even vaccinations lead to serious life-threatening disease.
3 Causes
X-linked agammaglobulinemia is caused genetically and has no external causes.
It is an X-linked disease which means that the disease passes with X-chromosome.
In order to have a boy with this disease, the mother should be a carrier but in order to have a girl with the disease, the mother should be a carrier and the father should have the disease.
4 Making a Diagnosis
To diagnose X-linked gammaglobulinemia, doctors will review family history and medical history.
A number of tests will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. These tests include:
Blood and serum measurement tests: In this tests the level of immunoglobulins are measured in the blood.
Genetic testing: A genetic testing may be required to confirm X-linked agammaglobulinemia because there are several other immunodeficiency diseases.
Treatment of X-linked agammaglobulinemia should start as soon as possible to reduce the risk of sepsis and other complications.
Treatments include:
Immunoglobulin G: Injections of Ig-G periodically may help to boost the immune system temporarily.
Infection management: Giving medications according to the infection that took place as soon as they occur.
Medication: Antibiotic treatment may be required to help treat the infections that are occurring and as prophylaxis (prevention). Stem cell transplant is a growing area of medicine. It is not yet fully used in medical practice but it has a great future and may help to curb this disease.
6 Prevention
If someone in your family has a case of X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, you must go for genetic counselling before having a baby in order to prevent the disease in the child.
7 Risks and Complications
There are several risks and complications associated with X-linked agammaglobulinemia.
The main risk factor in this case is having a family member with this disorder.