PEDIATRICS Vol. 55 No. 2 February 1975, pp. 166-170
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Secretory and Serum IgA in Children With Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

Stitaya Sirisinha D.M.D., Ph.D.1, Robert Suskind M.D.1, LTC Robert Edelman M.D., USAR1, Chairat Asvapaka B.S.1, and Robert E. Olson M.D., Ph.D.1

1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University and SEATO Medical Research Laboratory, Bangkok, the Anemia and Malnutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University and St. Louis University School of Medicine(Chiang Mai), Thailand, and the Department of Biochemistry and Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

The local immune system of children suffering protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) was investigated by analyzing the amount of immunoglobulins in the nasal washing on admission, repeatedly during 84 days of hospital therapy, and on follow-up, one to two years later. Although measured concentrations of total protein, IgG, and albumin in nasal washings were reduced in children with PCM, only secretory IgA concentrations were significantly lower (P<. 0l) in PCM compared to normal children. Mean secretory IgA concentrations were significantly reduced on admission through hospital day 70 and returned to near normal thereafter. At one to two years after hospital discharge, mean concentrations of secretory IgA in nasal secretions were within normal limits. The concentrations of secretory IgA in nasal washings were lowest at a time when serum IgA was markedly elevated; serum IgA concentrations fell to normal values during dietary treatment. The possible role of secretory IgA deficiency in PCM and infection is discussed.

Submitted on April 2, 1974
Accepted on August 14, 1974