IgA-antibody responses in the neonate following gastrointestinal surgery

IgA-antibody responses relative to other immunoglobulin classes were serially studied in 14 neonates undergoing gastrointestinal surgery and in a comparative group of 10 neonates undergoing surgery for neural tube defects. While IgM levels were raised postoperatively in gastrointestinal surgery patients as well in patients with neural tube defects the level of serum IgA following surgery was significantly higher in gastrointestinal patients (p less than 0.001) compared to neonates with neural tube defects. A close correlation between time of operation and an increase in IgA levels was observed. Changes in IgA antibody levels were independent of alteration in IgM and IgG levels.