Disturbances of chemotaxis in protein-calorie malnutrition
Maurage, C.; Pham, H.T.; Duhamel, J.F.; Tardieu, M.; Ricour, C.; Griscelli, C.; Rey, J.
Archives Francaises de Pediatrie 38(6): 425-429
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9764 PMID: 6794536 Document Number: 182581
A study of specific and non-specific immune functions was performed in 14 children presenting with severe malnutrition, before and after parenteral hyperalimentation by central catheter. Anomalies of cellular functions (reduction of the percentage of E rosettes and deficient proliferation with mitogens) were rarely found. Measurements for serum immunoglobulins did not show any anomaly; however reduced percentages of EAC rosettes and important increase in "null" cells were found in about one third of the cases. The main finding was a decreased serum chemotactic activity following activation of the classic complement pathway. This was found in 12 children and returned to normal values in all cases after hyperalimentation.