P0898 LOW SERUM IGG LEVELS IN CHILDREN DURING THE ACUTE PHASE OF SEVERE BACTERIAL INFECTION

Abstract

Introduction: In adults low serum albumin during bacterial infection correlates with poor outcome (1). In the literature there is no mention of IgG levels. Aim: To study IgG and albumin levels in children during the first 72 h of acute severe bacterial infections. Methods: Patient and Methods: Over 24 months, children 1–14 y hospitalized with fever due to acute bacterial infections: lobar pneumonia, pyelonephritis or lymphadenitis were evaluated in the first 96 h of hospitalization for serum albumin and IgG levels. Results: 50 children were studied: 21 children group I, were found to have albumin of 35 G/L). 29 children group II, had albumin > 36 G/L (range 36–45). The mean IgG levels in group I was IgG=8.49 (range 4.5–11.2 G/L). The mean IgG level of group II was IgG=11.3 (range 5.9–18.4 G/L) Discussion: The direct correlation between low albumin and low IgG levels during the first days of a bacterial infection (2) can be explained by a common pathophysiologic process acting to lower both levels. IgG levels usually rise, the lower IgG levels could be explained by a losing process during bacterial infections. Conclusion: Based on our observation that protein losing enteropathy is a frequent finding in acute severe bacterial infection (2) we suggest that protein losing is the pathologic mechanism leading to lower albumin and IgG levels during the first days of acute bacterial infection.