Protective Effect of Trans-placental Transferred Immunoglobulins against Neonatal Morbidities in A Tertiary Level Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: The levels of transplacental transferred immunoglobulins (Ig) carry protective effect to the neonate and varies by many factors as gestational age, maturity, body weight, hemodynamics and maternal diseases. Aim: This study aimed to measure the serum levels of Ig A and Ig G in neonates in different settings and to correlate their levels with neonatal morbidities. Methods: The study conducted during the period from June 2020 to January 2021 in a tertiary level NICU and included a total number of fifty one neonates. The measurement of serum Ig G and Ig A levels were measured by mininef method. Results: The mean value of Ig G and Ig A were 898 mg g/l and 16.3 g/l respectively. Ig G was directly correlated with the maturity, weight, early starting of feeding (p-value 0.001) while they correlated inversely with respiratory and inotropic support and CRP levels (p=value 0.001). Ig G was correlated inversely with the respiratory support whether CPAP or mechanical ventilation; being higher in neonates who didn't receive assisted ventilation. A cut off level of 512 g/l of Ig G was needed to detect increased risk of neonates to sepsis. Preterm babies had lower values than full term ones (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: Transplacental transferred immunoglobulins had a protective effect for neonates and their levels were inversely correlated with neonatal morbidities either in preterm or fullterm neonates