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Humoral immunity in Down's syndrome.
C Bălăiţă1, D Christodorescu, I Gherghina
1Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.
Romanian Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry = Revue Roumaine De Neurologie Et Psychiatrie
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study found altered immunoglobulin levels in Down syndrome patients, with increased Immunoglobulin A and G, and decreased Immunoglobulin M. These changes, particularly in Immunoglobulin A, were notable after age five.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with various health complications.
- Immunological abnormalities are frequently observed in individuals with Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and patterns of dysgammaglobulinemia in Down syndrome patients.
- To compare immunoglobulin levels in Down syndrome patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted on 57 outpatients with Down syndrome.
- Analysis of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), G (IgG), and M (IgM) levels.
- Comparison of patient immunoglobulin levels with age-matched control groups.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) were observed in Down syndrome patients.
- IgA levels were particularly high after the age of five.
- A reduction in Immunoglobulin M (IgM) titre was noted in patients compared to controls across all age groups.
- IgA deficiency was present in patients aged 0-5 years.
Conclusions:
- Down syndrome is characterized by specific patterns of dysgammaglobulinemia, including increased IgA and IgG, and decreased IgM.
- Age-dependent alterations in IgA levels are a significant finding in Down syndrome.
- These immunological findings are not attributable to hospitalization and may be intrinsic to the condition.