Immunoglobulins in hemophilia: correlation between IgG subclasses, IgE and HIV antibody.

Twenty-two patients with hemophilia who had received factor VIII concentrate were evaluated. Only 12 of 22 were seropositive for HIV. Elevation of IgG, IgG1, IgM and IgE was not related to HIV seropositivity. Means of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were significantly higher in patients with elevated IgG. Means of IgG2 and IgG3 were significantly lower in patients with elevated (greater than or equal to 251) serum IgM. Seven of the 22 patients demonstrated elevated (greater than or equal to 100) serum IgE; mean serum IgA was significantly lower, though in normal range, in these seven patients. Alterations in serum immunoglobulins in patients with Hemophilia are frequently seen, however, like other immune-dysfunction in these patients, these abnormalities can not be attributed to their HIV status.