Detection of immunoglobulins by electrophoresis and testing…
Detection of immunoglobulins by electrophoresis and testing for specific antibodies by other lab methods are very helpful in the diagnosis of many types of diseases. Immunoglobulins are divided into five major classes (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE). Ig is the abbreviation for immunoglobulin. Case study: History and Physical Examination Phong is a 5-year-old boy who has suffered from repeated upper respiratory infections since he was 16 months old. At 4 years of age, he was diagnosed with allergic asthma. The following winter, at age 5, he was admitted to the hospital twice for acute asthma with a secondary bacterial pulmonary infection. At the second admission, a complete blood count (CBC), sputum culture, and immune status workup were ordered. Laboratory Data Assay Patients results Reference range HemoglobinHematocritTotal WBC countAbsolute lymphocyte countT lymphocytesB lymphocytes 13.540%16.2 × 109/L4.3 × 109/L2.4 × 109/L1.0 × 109/L 2.7–5.4 × 109/L2.7–5.3 × 109/L0.6–1.4 × 109/L Antibodies to normal childhood immunization—presentSerum immunoglobulin profileIgM, IgG, and IgA bands: normalIgE and IgD: no bands observed Serum total protein IgMIgGIgA 2.4 g/L18.9 g/L0.020 g/L 0.5–2.0 g/L4.9–16.1 g/L0.4–2.0 g/L Questions What abnormal laboratory data does the patient demonstrate? Decreased T lymphocyte count Decreased IgA level Decreased total protein Both A and B What is the cause of this patient’s recurring infections? Neutropenia Lymphocytosis Impaired phagocytosis IgA deficiency Which clinical conditions are associated with this patient’s immune problem? Recurrent infections Allergies Increased incidence of inflammatory conditions All of the above. Bonus Question (2 points): What is the presumptive diagnosis?