Try Medisearch

Feel like reading the whole blog?

Understanding Low Immunoglobulin E Test Results

In this article, we will take a close look at Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test results. We will understand the role of immunoglobulins in the immune system, the process of IgE testing, and how to interpret the results. We will also discuss the implications of high and low IgE levels.

Nithishwer Mouroug Anand

Author - Nithishwer Mouroug Anand

Nithish is a computational biochemist at the University of Oxford working on alchemical methods for protein-drug interactions.

Nithishwer used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.
MediSearch gives instant answers to medical questions based on 30 million scientific articles.

Interpreting Immunoglobulin E Test Results

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test results are interpreted by considering the reference range; higher levels may indicate an allergic reaction or parasitic infection. Lower immunoglobin E levels are explained in the MediSearch answer below:

What does it mean when immunoglobin e is low?

When immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are low, it can indicate an underlying condition or immune dysregulation. Here are some key points about low IgE levels:

  • Low IgE, defined as <2 kU/L, is called IgE deficiency or selective IgE deficiency when other immunoglobulin levels are normal [8], [9].
  • It may be a marker for other immunodeficiency states like common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) [8], [10].
  • Patients with low IgE levels have an increased risk of respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies [8], [11], [9].
  • In some cases, low IgE can indicate an underlying B-cell or T-cell dysfunction [12].
  • Low IgE has been associated with reduced immune responsiveness and impaired antibody production against certain pathogens [13], [10].
  • It may serve as a marker of immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, and increased cancer susceptibility [14], [9], [15].
  • The clinical significance depends on whether it is isolated (selective IgE deficiency) or accompanied by deficiencies in other immunoglobulin classes [8], [16]. In summary, while low IgE alone may not always cause symptoms, it can be an indicator of underlying immune dysregulation or immunodeficiency, warranting further investigation and monitoring [8], [11], [9].

Immunoglobulins: An Overview

Immunoglobulins are protein molecules produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. They play an essential role in the body's immune response by binding to foreign cells like bacteria and viruses to neutralise them and signal other immune cells to destroy them [1].

Immunoglobulin tests are diagnostic procedures that measure the levels of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. These tests help evaluate your immune system's performance and help diagnose various conditions that affect the levels of immunoglobulins in your body [2].

There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Usually, about 80% is IgG, 15% is IgA, 5% is IgM, 0.2% is IgD, and a trace is IgE in your serum[1]. Each type of immunoglobulin has a unique role in the body's immune response. For example, IgM provides rapid defence against infectious diseases; IgG offers long-term immunity against foreign molecules. IgA is found primarily in the mucus membrane, providing defence against infectious agents, and IgE protects against parasites and triggers allergic reactions. The function of IgD has yet to be fully understood [2].

...

Have more health questions?

LogoMediSearch gives instant answers based on 30 million scientific articles.

View all posts