Transient IgA and IgM deficiencies are frequent in children with ulcerative colitis

Serum immunoglobulin levels in 22 children with ulcerative colitis were followed for 2 years after diagnosis of the disease. A statistically significant depression of IgA, IgM, and IgG was noticed; depression of IgA and IgM was most frequent. The depression of immunoglobulin levels was transient and was most prominent during the first year of treatment. All patients in the study received sulphasalazine. Disease activity or steroid medication had no influence on immunoglobulin levels. The development of immunoglobulin deficiencies was not connected with any HLA antigen; we found decreased frequency of antigen B7 in the whole group.