Allergy, Asthma, Immunology Conditions / Diagnoses

Hyper IgE Syndrome

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Allergy / Immunology

What is IgE?

IgE, or Immunoglobulin E, is an antibody that helps protect our body from certain infections. IgE is also made by the body during allergic reactions.
IgE can lead to allergic symptoms of:

Coughing, wheezing
Runny nose
Eye or throat irritation
Dry, red and itchy skin

What is Hyper-IgE Syndrome (Job’s Syndrome)?

Job’s Syndrome is a genetic alteration that can lead to a chronic skin rash (eczema) and chronic infections, especially in the skin and lung.

What are the symptoms of Hyper-IgE Syndrome?

Patients with Hyper-IgE have trouble fighting harmful bacteria. The patient may develop the following symptoms:

Frequent skin infections

Dry, itchy skin (eczema)

Frequent pneumonia

What are the complications of Hyper-IgE Syndrome?

As a child gets older, watch for:

Delay in loosing primary teeth

Large cysts in the lungs, called pneumatoceles

Poor bone formation

Increased broken bones (fractures)

Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

How do you detect these complications?

Chest x-rays or chest CTs are done regularly to look for cysts in the lungs

How do you treat Hyper-IgE Syndrome?

While there is no cure for Hyper-IgE syndrome, treatment focuses on stopping the symptoms. Some common treatments are:

Antibiotics to treat infections

Cream medication for skin rash

Some patients may need to take medication every day to prevent infection

Some patients may need to get an IV medicine called IVIG. IVIG contains antibodies to fight future infections.