On 24/2/04 9:50 PM, "Automatic digest processor" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > I recently talked to a mom whose physician recommended early weaning (5 > weeks ago) due to "an enzyme in her milk caused by her > hypogammaglobulinemia". People with hypogammaglobulinaemia are very vulnerable to infection, they have very low levels of immunoglobulins and cannot respond adequately to infectious insults (particularly encapsulated bacteria and viruses) This results in recurrent and severe occurrences of infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, osteomyeltitis, dermatitis and septicaemia. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is required for human and mouse B cell development. Btk deficiency causes X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) in humans and X-linked immunodeficiency in mice. I'm assuming this is the enzyme to which the doctor refers. I cannot see why this would lead to advice to wean. Certainly her breastmilk will be immunoglobulin deficient (and it would be interesting to see a profile of her breastmilk immune components). However there are many other antimicrobial components in breastmilk so it is still important for the infant protection wise. I cant imagine why breastfeeding would be deleterious to the mother with this condition- I would be interested to hear his explanation. Cathy Fetherston Western Australia *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html