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Serum proteins electrophoresis in infants and children
M Burki1, M Yousaf, S A Orakzai
1Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.
Insights
Serum protein levels in infants change with age, particularly gamma globulins. Breastfeeding is linked to higher protein and albumin levels at 3 months compared to weaning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
Background:
- Serum protein levels are crucial indicators of nutritional status and health in infants and children.
- Understanding age-related changes in protein fractions is essential for assessing normal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age, sex, and dietary patterns on total serum proteins and its fractions in children from birth to 4 years.
- To establish reference ranges for serum protein levels during early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 468 infants and children aged 0-4 years.
- Total serum proteins and protein fractions (albumin, globulins) were quantified.
- Data were analyzed in relation to age, sex, and feeding practices (breastfeeding vs. weaning).
Main Results:
- Total serum proteins and fractions exhibited age-dependent variations, with gamma globulins showing a distinct pattern: high at birth, decreasing at 3 months, and reaching adult levels by 18 months.
- No significant sex-based differences were observed in protein levels.
- Completely breastfed infants demonstrated significantly higher total protein and albumin levels at 3 months compared to completely weaned infants.
Conclusions:
- Age is a significant factor influencing serum protein profiles in early childhood.
- Breastfeeding positively impacts early serum protein and albumin concentrations compared to weaning.
- These findings contribute to understanding normal physiological changes and the nutritional impact of feeding practices in infants.
Abstract:
Total serum proteins and its fractions were estimated in 468 infants and children from birth to 4 years in relation to age, sex and dietary pattern. The mean values of total serum proteins and its fractions showed some changes with age, especially in gamma globulins, which was high at birth and showed a decrease at the age of 3 months, after which it increased and attained an adult level at the age of 18 months. No difference was noted between the two sexes. Completely breast fed infants had a significantly higher protein and albumin levels at 3 months than completely weaned infants but no such difference was observed in other protein fractions in the same age groups.