News

Brain, eye changes are common IgG4-RD neurological problems

Eye problems, inflammation in the brain’s pituitary gland, and thickening of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord are the most common neurological complications seen with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a review study reports. Neurological problems in IgG4-RD can usually be managed with standard treatments, though researchers emphasized…

High IgG4 antibody blood levels ID 75% of IgG4-RD cases: Study

High blood levels of IgG4 antibodies may be a sign of many diseases, not solely IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but blood tests for IgG4 can identify most IgG-RD cases and rule it out for most people without the disease, a study in Spain reports. Certain respiratory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and…

Immune cell ratio may predict IgG4-RD relapse risk: Study

A ratio of different types of immune cells called the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) may predict risk of relapse in people with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), according to a long-term study. People with IgG4-RD had higher ELRs than those with other inflammatory diseases, and a higher ELR was associated with…

Subset of immune T-cells may be therapeutic target in IgG4-RD

A specific subset of immune cells known as gamma-delta 2 T-cells plays a key role in the development of immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a study reports. Particularly, these cells were found to acquire an immune profile, called T helper 2 (Th2)-like phenotype, to strongly promote the formation of plasma…

Higher cancer risk possible with IgG4-RD diagnosis, report suggests

People with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) may be susceptible to developing multiple cancers and should be carefully monitored, according to a new report from researchers in Turkey. In reviewing previously published reports, the scientists found that people who experienced multiple cancers, or malignancies, tended to be older than those…

Sinonasal involvement in IgG4-RD needs recognition: Review study

Sinonasal involvement, with symptoms affecting the nasal passages and surrounding air-filled skull cavities (sinuses), may be an under-recognized presentation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), according to a review study. Nasal and eye-related symptoms were common in patients with sinonasal involvement, though many cases also involved other organ systems considered more…