Secondary Hypogammaglobulinemia: An Increasingly Recognized Complication of Treatment with Immunomodulators and After Solid Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia is a common development in patients treated with immunomodulatory agents for autoimmune, connective tissue, and malignant diseases. It has been observed in the medical management of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation. Some patients have preexisting immunodeficiency associated with these illnesses; immunosuppressive treatment magnifies their immune defect. This article reviews immunosuppressive medications, including biological treatments that cause secondary hypogammaglobulinemia. It summarizes risk factors for rituximab-induced hypogammaglobulinemia, such as preexisting low immunoglobulin G levels, CD19 levels, host factors, and additive effect of all immunomodulatory drugs used. The evaluation and management of secondary hypogammaglobulinemia are discussed.

Keywords: Antibody deficiency; Hematologic malignancy; Hypogammaglobulinemia; Immunosuppressive biological therapies; Immunosuppressive therapy; Infections; Rituximab; Secondary immunodeficiency.