General Question

[cathyb]

I have Sjogrens and have just been diagnosed with hypogammaglobulin and was told that it can be caused by the Sjogrens.  Has anyone ever heard of this.  My rhemy said that I need to start having IVIG therapy and I should research.  By the time I got home from his office the Infusion facility had already called and wants to start treatment.  Not sure what to do at this point.  Anyone with any suggestions or insights?

[Linda196]

Hello Cathy, welcome to Sjogren's World.

SjS seems to be able to cause either a decrease or an increase in some of the immunoglobulins. Some people have drops in level of IgG and sometimes IgM, while others have too much! For those with low levels, infusions of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) can help provide the protection from bacteria and viruses that the immune system isn't capable of. There are some people who post on this forum who regularly receive IVIG, and there are a couple of threads about it: https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=2981.0
https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=917.0

You can also search the forum using IVIG as your keyword, and find others.

As to whether the SjS caused it, or it was the cause of the SjS, that would be a judgement call or a matter of your doctor's personal opinion.

The facility that administers the IVIG should offer a comprehensive education program about it, so you can learn what it involves, what benefits are hoped for from it, and any side effects.

I'd like to invite you to post a bit of an introduction in the Newbie's section, so we can get to know you better.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Cathy 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. I'm no use on blood matters - just wanted to say hello!

I hope you find the site useful.

Take care - Scottie 

[Patze]

Hi Cathyb,

Welcome to the SJS World!  I'm like Scottie, I don't know about hypogammaglobulin, but Linda did give you some good information - she's good!

Can you post your story in the Newbies section, so we can get to know you?

Again, welcome and I hope to chat with you soon!

Take care -

Patze

[Bucky]

Hi Cathyb . . . nice chatting with you this evening. 

Linda's links and advice about checking the threads is a good idea.  Maybe you could find some of the information you are looking for.

Hope to see you again in the chat room. 

Have a good week.

Bucky