Immunoglobulin levels during childhood, with special regard to IgE

Abstract

Summary In a series comprising 215 children of ages 2–15 years, representative of the population in a medium‐sized Swedish town, determinations were made of the 5 immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE. The children were divided with regard to the occurrence of allergic symptoms and to their general state of health. The results were subjected to extensive statistical calculations including regression analyses with regard to age and sex for the different immunoglobulins. A longitudinal study of the IgE development during the first year of life was also carried out. Mean values and normal variations for IgE at different ages are presented. The IgE development during childhood was found to be essentially similar to that of IgA. Adult IgG levels were reached, on the whole, at the age of 11–12 years, and a further IgG increase was noted in children during puberty. The girls had higher IgG concentrations throughout than the boys; this sex difference is not large but is statistically significant. The IgA levels rose gradually throughout childhood and had still not reached an adult level during puberty. No sex difference was found for IgA. Adult IgM levels were attained by the age of 4 years. The girls showed higher IgM concentrations throughout than the boys, and this difference is statistically significant. A statistically significant relationship was found between age and IgD level. IgD was lacking from the age of 7–8 years in 12–16 per cent of the children, a somewhat lower figure than has been reported previously for adults. No statistically significant sex difference was found. Children with atopic conditions had higher IgD levels than completely healthy children; this difference was statistically significant.