Antibodies

Myotonic dystrophy is associated with a modest reduction in the amount of immunoglobulin in the blood (hypogammaglobulinemia). The production of antibodies is normal, however the antibodies do not last as long in the circulation, hence the amount in the blood at any time is somewhat reduced. The myotonic dystrophy-associated reduction of immunoglobulin appears to be well tolerated. So far there is no clear evidence that alteration is associated with an increased frequency of infection.