Question 1

what are causes of elevated igm?

Accepted Answer

IgM: Igm is our first defense against bacteria, so if you have an active infection it can be the cause of this elevation. A chronically elevated igm may indicate an immunodeficiency. An immunologist can help you make the diagnosis. In rare cases it can be a malignancy.

Question 2

how dangerous can an elevated igm level in a 4 year old be?

Accepted Answer

It depends: It depends on how high the level is.  Normal igm levels vary depending on age.  A high igm level at one age may be normal at another age.  If the level is borderline elevated i would not be concerned. If it is 5 times the upper limit of normal then i would go to a hematologist.

Question 3

what do you recommend if i have elevated igm levels in a 4 year old?

Accepted Answer

IgM levels: Elevated IgM levels to what?? Igm elevation usually means an active infection or a recent immunization. These levels are specific, though. For instance, if you contracted measles, the IgM level to measles rises over the first few weeks, and then usually disappears by 6-8 weeks after illness. So if child had shots or was recently sick, I'd want to see IgM levels rise for that specifically

Question 4

can an elevated igm be caused by an infection?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: An elevated igm could be benign or the sign of a more seious issues. Probably best to discuss with your doc.

Question 5

my ige level is 1300 and my sister has elevated igm and iga levels. is this genetic? and could my other levels be off too?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Could be genetic.  A doctor who has an interest in immunology can give you the best advice.  Such doctors are usually internal medicine specialists.  Your local medical society might be able to direct you.

Question 6

i've had elevated igm's for a few years and fluctuating wbc and i'm anemic. doctors still can't tell me what's wrong. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: How high were the igm levels?  Igm is an immune protein that fights infections.  It is good to have igm but if it is excessively high it could mean that the bone marrow is producing too many lymphocytes which could crowd out the red blood cell producing components.  See a hematologist for a possible bone marrow aspirate/biopsy if you haven't already.  What were your other IG levels?

Question 7

what would cause someone to have elevated igm without a spike on protein electrophoresis? i've had mildly elevated igm which is gradually increasing (currently 2.3, upper boundary is 1.9). thanks?

Accepted Answer

: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, if you do not have any infections or other underlying illness, you may watch and wait.   Wish you good health!

Question 8

can a elevated igm mean viral or bacterial infection?

Accepted Answer

Acute infection: In most of serious infections, both viral and bacterial, the early immune response is characterized by a rise in  specific (to the pathogen) IgM. Over the following few weeks, IgM levels decline with rising levels of IgG. The latter remain elevated for as long as the individual is "immune"(like after effective vaccination).

Question 9

hello,2day had my blood test done, no symptoms, feeling good. everything within the range apart from igm levels which are 8,42. igg is fine, within the range. crp levels good as well. what does elevated igm mean? sinister? please help, anxious?

Accepted Answer

Otherwise well: The elevated level of 842mg/dL is very high and should be repeated and correlated to your history of infections.

Question 10

today had my blood test done, no symptoms, feeling good. everything within the range apart from igm levels which are 8,42. igg is fine within the range. crp good. what does elevated igm mean? i hav uc (now in remission but recently got out of a flare?

Accepted Answer

Unclear info: IgM level of 8,42 is not elevated. All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests.  
Wish you good health!

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Doctor answers about:

Elevated igm

A member asked:

What are causes of elevated igm?

A member asked:

How dangerous can an elevated igm level in a 4 year old be?

A member asked:

What do you recommend if i have elevated igm levels in a 4 year old?

A member asked:

Can an elevated igm be caused by an infection?

A member asked:

My ige level is 1300 and my sister has elevated igm and iga levels. is this genetic? and could my other levels be off too?

A member asked:

I've had elevated igm's for a few years and fluctuating wbc and i'm anemic. doctors still can't tell me what's wrong. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What would cause someone to have elevated igm without a spike on protein electrophoresis? i've had mildly elevated igm which is gradually increasing (currently 2.3, upper boundary is 1.9). thanks?

A member asked:

Can a elevated igm mean viral or bacterial infection?

A member asked:

Hello,2day had my blood test done, no symptoms, feeling good. everything within the range apart from igm levels which are 8,42. igg is fine, within the range. crp levels good as well. what does elevated igm mean? sinister? please help, anxious?

A member asked:

Today had my blood test done, no symptoms, feeling good. everything within the range apart from igm levels which are 8,42. igg is fine within the range. crp good. what does elevated igm mean? i hav uc (now in remission but recently got out of a flare?

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