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[Age-dependence of the complement (beta 1A/C) serum concentration in healthy children (author's transl)]
Insights
Complement component 3 (C
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
Context:
- Understanding complement component 3 (C'3) levels in healthy children is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- C'3 levels exhibit significant variation during early childhood, impacting interpretation.
Purpose:
- To quantitatively determine complement (C'3) levels in sera from healthy children across various age groups.
- To establish age-dependent reference ranges for C'3 in pediatric populations.
Summary:
- Quantified C'3 levels in 496 pediatric sera (cord blood to 10 years) using single radial immunodiffusion.
- Observed higher C'3 in cord blood than newborns, with adult levels attained by 12-36 months.
- Abnormally high or low C'3 levels can indicate pathology, but low levels are more diagnostically significant.
Impact:
- Highlights the necessity of considering age-specific C'3 concentrations for diagnostic accuracy in children.
- Provides baseline data for identifying potential complement-related disorders in pediatric patients.
- Emphasizes that normal C'3 levels do not rule out underlying pathological conditions.
Abstract:
In 496 sera of healthy children(cord blood, newborn infants, children up to 10 years of age) complement (C'3) was determined quantitatively by single radial immunodiffusion technique. Higher values are found in cord blood as compared to newborns during the first days of life. Adult levels are reached in infants aged 12 to 36 months. Complement is produced in excess. Normal concentrations do not necessarily exclude a pathologic situation. Abnormally high or low levels of complement (C'3) in the serum may point at pathologic processes. However, single determinations are of pathognomonic value only when low concentrations are found. Age dependency of C'3-levels in children has to be kept in mind when used for diagnosis.