X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

Also known as: XLA.

What is X-linked agammaglobulinemia?

B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a pivotal role in keeping the body free of infection. When individuals, primarily males, have a very low number of B cells, the cause may be X-linked agammaglobulinemia. It can lead to a number of complications.

What causes X-linked agammaglobulinemia?

X-linked agammaglobulinemia is caused by a genetic mutation. The condition is hereditary and can be passed along from parents to children.

What are the symptoms of X-linked agammaglobulinemia?

The primary symptom of X-linked agammaglobulinemia is recurrent infections, usually beginning just a few months into life for an infant. These are frequently lung, sinus, ear and eye infections or diarrhea. The infections tend to occur frequently and can lead to organ damage or other complications.
 

What are X-linked agammaglobulinemia care options?

X-linked agammaglobulinemia is treated for life with immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Patients on this therapy can develop the immunity to resist infections and lead fairly normal lives.

Reviewed by: Mislen S Bauer, MD

This page was last updated on: January 03, 2022 04:12 PM