What does low IgG mean?

[Smarties2]

My DD is 11 months. She had blood tests back in October due to suspected allergies. The results didn’t really provide much info re:allergies but the GP noted that her IgG levels were low. I was told this could improve on its own and she was booked for further bloods to check.

The GP called me late this evening to say those results are back and are still low. Paediatrics won’t see her at the moment due to covid (only emergencies).

The GP wants to see her to formulate a plan. I asked some questions but it was late and I still don’t really understand what it all means.
Dr Google (I know prob not helpful) says that it impacts her ability to fight infection. I’m going back to work soon and am a bit concerned about her immune system when she starts childcare. I understand they pick up loads of things when they mix with other babies. Does it mean she could be more affected? Also could she be at a higher risk if she were to catch covid?

I just wondered if anyone has any knowledge or experience of this and could advise? What might the GP plan include.

Thanks in advance.

It's always stressful isn't it? Babies I mean...I've had a look for you and found these comments from a page on Great Ormond Street Hospital's website, so you know they're factual.

Transient hyogammaglobulinaemia of infancy (THI) is the name for a condition in which the immune system matures more slowly than usual, but eventually functions entirely normally.

(Low IgG basically is transient hyogammaglobulinaemia)

Babies are sometimes slow to start producing immunoglobulins. All types of immunoglobulin may be low, or one or two may be normal. This problem does not usually last for very long, and levels in most children will have ‘caught up’ by the time they are three to four years of age. In a few children, there may not be complete catch up until they are about ten years old.

www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/transient-hypogammaglobulinaemia-infancy

My son was diagnosed with this around the same age but ours was with a hole host of other problems he didn’t grow out of it but his diagnosis changed to a full compliment deficiency when he was around 5 but I can’t stress this enough we did not pick this up on a random bloody test he was extremely unwell in an out of hospital the first year of your little ones not showing any symptoms it could just be one of those things.

my son is counted as cev so yes we shield And IMO you need to speak to an immunologist if a referral hasn’t been made by your gp it should have so you can decide on the risks during these uncertain times.

After years living with my son having a primary immunodeficiency he is doing great the only thing he takes is an antibiotic every day if you have any questions please ask.

www.piduk.org/ this is the uk based charity for primary immunodeficiencys

DD diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinaemia when she was 6, we adopted when she was 4 so no real information before then. She has been on weekly subcutaneous infusions since then and she has improved. It seems to attack her gut and has crohn's diagnosis.
She is now 15 and does seem to be ok. Good luck.

Thank- you all so so much for taking the time to respond.

@FortunesFave thank-you, that information is so helpful (and was much easier to understand).

@Hm2020 I’m glad your son is doing well now. I hope you don’t mind me asking did he have any reaction to his vaccinations? Or were they all fine? My daughter will be due the MMR in the next few weeks or so and am just wondering if there is any risk with this (as I know it’s a live vaccine).

@Mynamenotaccepted I’m glad your daughter seems to be ok. The information about it attacking her gut is helpful, as part of the reason my daughter was having blood tests was due to problems with her gut (they suspected allergies -although I’m not so sure). I’m wondering now if it might be linked.

I feel like I actually know what to ask my GP now - thank-you!

We were not aloud the Mmr for a long time but I’m not sure if that is because he had extremely low white blood cells (neutropenia) or if it was due to the low igg as it’s a live vaccine id really advise getting that checked and double checked with drs before. Try and get a referral to an immunologist we’ve been with ours since a baby and he’s amazing. Wishing you all the luck with your lo and good health

Smarties2 it was her horrendous diarrhoea that made me push for autoimmune tests which were dismissed. It was another paediatrician (not hers listened to me) and arranged tests, results back in 48hrs! I did get an apology albeit begrudgingly. Stick to your guns. Take care.

My now 5 year old DS was in and out hospital with numerous infections breathing issues, From 6 months old and around 2 he got adenoids removed, loads immune blood checks done, his igg level was low against bacteria, he had to get few injections to bring his level back up, since then he’s had checkups and been on permanent medication for airways, thankfully he’s doing well but Covid is a worry for me, as he got 3 infections (adenovirus, rsv, enterovirus) at one time prior to previous immune system tests and suffered badly with it, needed oxygen etc, he’s suffering from some sort off allergies in his eyes and had to get more bloods done. I would push for the immune system tests you need to know if your child should be shielding