Hyper IgM syndrome

Hyper IgM syndrome

Classification and external resources
Specialty hematology
ICD-10 D80.5
ICD-9-CM 279.05
eMedicine ped/2457
MeSH D053306

Hyper IgM syndrome is a family of genetic disorders in which the level of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies is relatively high. The most common type is a result of a defect in a Th2 cell protein (CD40 ligand). The disorder causes immunodeficiencies, including a higher than normal susceptibility to various types of infections. Individuals with hyper-IgM syndrome typically also have a low number of neutrophils and platelets.

Pathophysiology

IgM is the form of antibody that all B cells produce initially, before they undergo class switching due to exposure to a recognized antigen. Healthy B cells efficiently switch to other types of antibodies as needed to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Generally, in people with hyper IgM syndromes, the B cells keep making IgM antibodies because they can't switch to a different kind of antibody. This results in an overproduction of IgM antibodies and an underproduction of all other types, IgA, IgG, and IgE.

Types

Five types have been characterized:

Pneumocystis pneumonia

Infections with Pneumocystis pneumonia are common in infants with Hyper IgM syndrome.

External links

References

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