[Serum immunoglobulins during immunosuppressive therapy following kidney transplantation]

Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM and the complement factor C'3 were measured in the serum of 103 kidney allograft recipients. As compared to those in 50 patients on hemodialysis treatment, 100 hospitalized patients and 100 blood donors, the mean values for IgA, IgG and C'3 were significantly decreased. IgM was higher than in blood donors. The longitudinal profile in 6 transplant patients showed remarkably stable immunoglobulin concentrations. No association between low IgG levels and infections or rejection episodes was observed.