Immunological determinations in the cord serum and aspects of the neonatal adaptation

We have determined the immunograms and the titers of anti-influenza antibody in the cord serum of 112 newborns. The immunologic parameters have been correlated with signs of adaptation in the immediate neonatal period. The immunograms showed an increase of the values of IgG and the presence of IgM and IgA in the cord serum, at levels according with the increase of the titer of anti-influenza antibodies. The presence of IgM and IgA in the cord serum at high levels is the expression of an active process of antibody synthesis in these foetuses as the consequence of an intrauterine infection. In our study, maternal influenza was implicated in the stimulation of the foetus immune system and in the alteration of neonatal adaptation.