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A Low IgM Level
  IgM low
 Contributing risk factors
 


IgM stands for immunoglobulin M, one of the classes of immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) that are in the blood. IgM is an antibody that remains in the bloodstream where it can kill bacteria that enter the blood. Causes & Development

Low levels of IgM occur in multiple myeloma and some types of leukemia.

Diagnosis & Tests
The 'low', 'normal' and 'high' ranges vary with age, and are also lab-specific. However, a reasonable normal range is 45-250mg/dl.





Risk factors for A Low IgM Level:
Hormones  Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency


KEY
Weak or unproven link


GLOSSARY

Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.

Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.

Deciliter (dL)
0.1 or one tenth of a liter.

Leukemia
Cancer of the lymph glands and bone marrow resulting in overproduction of white blood cells (related to Hodgkin's disease).

Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.




Last updated: Jun 15, 2008
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