Immunoglobulin Levels in Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis

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Abstract
To the Editor: Depressed cell-mediated immunity in chronic renal insufficiency, as manifested by cutaneous anergy, prolonged survival of skin and renal homografts, and altered host response to hepatitis B and tuberculous infection, has been reported by many authors, as reviewed elsewhere.1 2 3 In contrast, data showing abnormalities in humoral immunity have been rather conflicting. Although several studies have demonstrated normal humoral immunity in patients with uremia, as evidenced by their antibody response to viral or bacterial antigens.4 , 5 other studies have not.6 , 7 Moreover, levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in patients receiving hemodialysis have been reported to be normal by some investigators . . .