Fluctuation of serum complement levels in children with neuroblastoma

Serum samples from eleven children with neuroblastoma were drawn at diagnosis and again every 15 days or a month after the beginning of treatment over the course of 17 months observation. Twenty healthy children of the same age with no appreciable clinical manifestation were also studied as controls. Investigations included quantitative serum complement levels (total complement hemolytic activity, C3 and C4), anticomplementary serum activity and urine catecholamine levels (VMA and HVA). Complement levels of tumor patients were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects, but fluctuations were seen at different stages of the disease; patients at admission with active tumors or tumor recurrence had higher complement levels than those of patients in remission. Temporary recurrences of the disease were usually accompanied by fluctuations of urinary catecholamines, serum complement levels (mainly C3) and anticomplementary serum activity. At the terminal phase of the disease a drop in complement levels was usually seen, while urinary catecholamines were progressively increasing.