Gastrointestinal dysfunction in immunoglobulin deficiency. Effect of corticosteroids and tetracycline.

Idiopathic late-onset immunoglobulin deficiency in a young man was associated with achlorhydria and a severe intestinal malabsorption syndrome that did not respond to conventional therapy. Combined therapy with high doses of prednisone and tetracycline hydrochloride resulted in weight gain, cessation of diarrhea, improved absorption of water, fat, and vitamin B12, and production of gastric acid after stimulation with histamine. Serum immunoglobulin levels, however, did not increase.