What are the functions of immunoglobulin G?
Immunoglobulin G is an important component of the specific immune system. It binds antigens (characteristic surface structures) of pathogens and thus marks them for certain white blood cells (leukocytes). These then engulf and eliminate the pathogen.
In addition, IgG supports the complement system, which initiates the decomposition (lysis) of the pathogens.
Normal values for immunoglobulin G
IgG levels are measured in blood serum. For adults, values between 700 and 1600 mg/dl are considered the norm.
For children, the normal values depend on age.
When is immunoglobulin G decreased?
In some cases, IgG deficiency is congenital. In most cases, the other antibody classes are also reduced, so that we speak of agammaglobulinemia (lack of ability to form antibodies).
- Kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome)
- protein loss through the intestine in the context of watery diarrhea (exudative enteropathy)
- severe burns
Decreased IgG production may be due to the following causes, among others:
- Viral infections
- Radiation therapy @
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment with immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress the immune system)
What symptoms does IgG deficiency cause?
What to do in case of reduced IgG?
Antibody deficiency diseases can lead to severe infections and are therefore very dangerous if left untreated. Therefore, it is good if a doctor recognizes and treats them at an early stage.
When is immunoglobulin G elevated?
IgG may be elevated in the following diseases:
- acute and chronic infections
- cancers such as plasmocytoma (multiple myeloma)
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Liver diseases: Liver inflammation (hepatitis) and liver cirrhosis
Targeted treatment of such diseases often also normalizes blood levels of immunoglobulin G.
