Abstract
Objective: To assess neutrophil function in premature infants in the first week of life.
Method: We prospectively collected serial blood samples from premature infants (n=11; < 32 weeks gestation) on day 1, 2 and 7 of life and from adult controls (n=11). Whole blood CD11b and Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) expression as well as reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production were evaluated using appropriate antibodies and fluorescent substrates via flow cytometry.
Results: Preterm baseline CD11b expression was comparable to adults. Baseline neonatal TLR4 expression was decreased compared with adults. Although CD11b and TLR4 expression increased following LPS stimulation, they failed to reach adult levels. Baseline neonatal ROI production was also reduced but increased to adult values by DOL 7.
Mean +/- Standard deviation; FI fold increase; DOL= day of life; p value comparing adult and preterms
Conclusions: Preterm infants have altered immune function in the first week of life with a reduction in endotoxin response compared with adults. This may increase their susceptibility to infection but could also minimise damaging inflammatory responses.
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O'Hare, F., Watson, W., O'Neill, A. et al. 141 Early Preterm Neonatal Neutrophil Function in Response to Endotoxin.. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 74 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00141
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00141