Immunoglobulin M Deficiency Treatment & Management

Updated: Jul 19, 2018
  • Author: Iftikhar Hussain, MD; Chief Editor: Michael A Kaliner, MD  more...
  • Print
Treatment

Medical Care

Replacement of IgM is not an option, as IgM is not a significant component of therapeutic preparations of intravenous immunoglobulin. However, defective antigen-specific IgG responses have been demonstrated in some patients. For such patients, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement may be an option. [27]

Prophylactic and/or rigorous therapeutic antibiotic treatments may be beneficial.

Fresh frozen plasma may be considered for severe infections. [21]

In a patient who is asymptomatic and in whom a decreased IgM level has been noted incidentally, prophylactic antibiotics are not needed. However, the IgM level should be determined and specific antibody studies should be performed if recurrent infections develop.

Next:

Consultations

Patients with SIgM deficiency should be under the care of a clinical immunologist, as a workup to exclude other immunodeficiencies is essential.

Consultation with an infectious disease specialist may also be helpful in a patient with recurrent infections.

Previous