Publication Date:
2014-01-27
Description:
Background Blood levels of regulators of the complement system in preterm babies were reported in few studies only. The aim of this study was to set up a complement profile in premature and term babies focusing on the development of blood levels of MBL, key regulatory proteins and on classical pathway activity, which may allow an estimation of potential susceptibility to infection. Methods Complement activity (CH50), levels of mannan binding lectin (MBL), complement regulators (Factors H and I, C1 inhibitor, properdin) and C3a as marker of complement activation were assessed in three groups of healthy newborns: 1) prematures (≤ 34 weeks), 2) late prematures (〉34 - 〈37 weeks) and 3) term neonates (≥ 37 weeks). Results CH50 increased with gestational age with lower titers in cord blood than in day 5 post delivery venous blood. MBL concentrations were not significantly different among groups. Quantitative and functional C1 Inhibitor were below adult normal range in prematures 〈34 weeks, and lower in cord blood as compared to day 5. Factor I, factor H and properdin, remained below adult values in all groups. Low C3a levels excluded that low complement titers were due to activation-induced consumption. Conclusion These results demonstrate the relative immaturity of the complement system and its regulation, especially in premature infants. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Print ISSN:
0300-9475
Electronic ISSN:
1365-3083
Topics:
Medicine
