Immunoglobulin levels in premature infants on a neonatology unit
Voeten, E.A.; Semmekrot, B.A.; Weemaes, C.M.
Tijdschrift Voor Kindergeneeskunde 61(3): 87-93
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-7442 PMID: 8211941 Document Number: 410832
Serum IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations of premature infants, 21 boys and 17 girls, gestational age 29.8 +/- 2.5 weeks, birth weight 1243 +/- 378 gram, were measured during the first weeks post partum. At birth, IgG concentrations of newborn infants correlate with gestational age. Subsequently a gradual decline of IgG concentrations occurs. Infants of 25-29 weeks gestational age appeared to have significantly lower IgG concentrations if compared to infants of 29-32 weeks gestational age. IgA concentrations remained below the detection limit during the period covered by this study, whereas serum IgM concentrations showed a gradual increase. Significantly more infants from the group with IgG < 400 mg/dl, measured at the first day of life, had infections if compared to the group with IgG > 400 mg/dl. Exchange transfusions and administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) resulted in a rise of immunoglobulin concentrations, whereas administration of packed cells (PC's) and pasteurised plasma protein solution (GPO) did not.