IgG-3 deficiency
April 4, 2019 | 100,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf
Hello,
after a long search and ruling out sugar and other causes, it was determined that my igG3 value is too low at 19.5.
The other values are igG-1 = 16, igG-2 = 31, igG-4 = 164.
A few weeks ago, a Vitamin D deficiency (10) was also detected. The "normal" values are all good.
The reason for the search is a severe occurrence of furunculosis and infections, all of which had to be treated with antibiotics.
My doctor has now referred me to a hematologist after this diagnosis, but the waiting times are immense and I am becoming increasingly nervous, as I read on the internet that such a deficiency can only be treated with infusions every 4 weeks for life (or injections for life / once a week).
My question is: Is this true and what is the life expectancy?
Hello,
Unfortunately, your question cannot be answered as you would like. This is probably why no colleague has responded yet.
Your IgG3 levels are low, but it cannot be definitively said that this is the cause of your furunculosis - Point 1.
Treatment for your deficiency should only be undertaken if this deficiency is actually causing repeated severe infections - Point 2.
The treatment may involve the administration of immunoglobulins or antibiotics.
I am providing you with a link here, which although from 2012, reflects the most up-to-date consensus available on this topic.
At the beginning, you will find a list of names that may be useful in getting a quicker and possibly better appointment than the one you currently have scheduled.
In the text, you will find the guidelines that would be applied to you once Points 1 and 2 are clarified. If there is anything you do not understand, please do not hesitate to ask.
I understand your concern very well, but despite all the information you can receive in advance, you will only know your true condition after an individual assessment by a personal, competent doctor. Therefore, it may be best for you to seek an address near your place of residence, for which I would need your postal code.
Another question regarding the vitamin D deficiency: does this still persist, and is there an explanation for its cause? And while you're at it, could you please provide a detailed description of your general situation? Age, general medical history, etc. I somehow feel that there may still be relevant information missing.
In case my response does not help you or you feel that it is not worth the offered 100 euros, please let me know. It's not about the money, but about whether we can help you.
Best regards,
Dr. Ive Schaaf
