Living with Hyper-IgM syndrome type 4
A rare immune condition in which one step of antibody switching is affected, raising the chance of bacterial and opportunistic infections.
Understanding Hyper-IgM syndrome type 4
A person's body normally switches between types of antibodies depending on the infection. This type affects one step of that process, but not all steps. It raises the chance of bacterial infections and opportunistic infections, which happen more in people with weakened immune systems.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Its summary describes:
- Bacterial infections
- Opportunistic infections
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Hyper IgM Foundation and Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Hyper IgM Foundation, Immune Deficiency Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Hyper IgM Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: higm4
Patient organizations
- Hyper IgM FoundationHyper-IgM syndrome type 4 · United States
- Immune Deficiency FoundationPrimary immunodeficiency · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hyper-IgM syndrome type 4.
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