hypergammaglobulinemia
Pronunciation: HIGH-per-gam-ah-glob-you-lin-EE-mee-ah
Elevated levels of gamma globulins in the blood, often indicating immune system activation or plasma cell disorders.
Full Definition
Hypergammaglobulinemia is an elevation in gamma globulin levels above normal ranges, typically defined as total immunoglobulin levels exceeding 1.6 g/dL or specific increases in IgG, IgA, or IgM. In hematologic oncology, this finding can indicate plasma cell disorders, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or reactive immune stimulation. The pattern of elevation (polyclonal vs monoclonal) helps differentiate between reactive conditions and malignant processes. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation are essential for proper characterization.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether polyclonal or monoclonal when pattern is known.
In Context
- "Serum electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia with a polyclonal pattern." — Laboratory interpretation
- "The patient's hypergammaglobulinemia resolved following treatment of the underlying lymphoma." — Follow-up assessment