NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Immunodeficiency Disorders
/
Hyper IgM Syndrome

Master Hyper IgM Syndrome with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Hyper IgM Syndrome

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Bruton's Agammaglobulinemia
picmonic thumbnail
Common Variable Immunodeficiency
picmonic thumbnail
Selective IgA Deficiency
picmonic thumbnail
Thymic Aplasia (DiGeorge Syndrome)
picmonic thumbnail
Hyper IgE Syndrome

Hyper IgM Syndrome

Hiker-Mountain Globulin-Goblin
Picmonic
Hyper IgM syndrome is a congenital B-cell immunodeficiency caused by a spectrum of defects that ultimately result in an inability for B-cells to undergo class switching. Class switching describes the transformation of IgM antibodies to other classes e.g. IgG, IgE, IgA. Without this transformation, IgM antibodies accumulate. Examples of defects include deficient CD40 ligand on T-cells (type 1) and defective/deficient CD40 receptor on B-cells (type 3). Sometimes, the mutation is unknown. Without the diverse repertoire of immunoglobulins, patients with Hyper IgM syndrome are more prone to developing pyogenic abscesses and other infections. Serum levels of IgA, IgE, and IgG are decreased while IgM levels are elevated.
5 KEY FACTS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Deficient CD40 Ligand on Helper T-cells
Broken CD-40 oz with Light-bulb on Tennis-ball

CD40 ligand on helper T-cells attaches to the CD40 receptor on B-cells, working to activate B-cells to undergo class switching and produce specific immunoglobulins for pathogen defense. In this syndrome, patients may have a defective CD40 ligand gene resulting in insufficient CD40 ligand production. Consequently, B-cells are unable to mount a specific immunoglobulin response and continue to produce non-specific IgM.

Defective CD40 Receptor on B-cells
CD-40 oz receptor on Basketball

Another pathogenetic process that results in Hyper IgM syndrome involves a defective CD40 receptor gene resulting in insufficient/poorly formed CD40 receptors. Consequently, B-cells are unable to mount a specific immunoglobulin response and continue to produce non-specific IgM.

Inability to Class Switch
Broken Glass Switch

Class switching describes the cell's ability to change immunoglobulin response from non-specific IgM to specific types of IgA, IgE, and IgG class immunoglobulins. In hyper IgM syndrome, there is defective class switching.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Pyogenic Abscess
Pus-pies and Abscess-guy

Patients with hyper IgM syndrome present with multiple abscesses, pyogenic infections, and neutropenia due to the inability to class switch. These typically present early in life.

Decreased IgG, IgA, IgE
Down-arrow Gold, Apple, Electric Globulin-Goblins

Patients without the ability to class switch are limited in their ability to produce specific immunoglobulin classes; such as IgA, IgE, and IgG. This results in an overproduction of non-specific IgM.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Hyper IgM Syndrome Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.