Abstract
In vitro neutrophil function was evaluated in 28-32 week neonates and compared to similar studies of term neonates and adults. Preterm neutrophil random mobility (RM) was decreased as compared to term neonate and adult values. Phagocytosis of yeast particles opsonlzed with a 2.5% final concentration of autologous plasma(AP) was significantly impaired at 30 minutes in the preterm infant as compared to both term and adult neutrophils. Opsonization with 2.5% adult plasma(CP) did not normalize this parameter suggesting an inherent defect in phagocytic capacity. Increasing incubation time to 60 minutes increased the number of yeast phagocytosed by preterm and term neonates. While values for term neonates approached those of adults, preterm neutrophil phagocytosis remained significantly depressed. Chemotaxis (CX) of both preterm and term infants was below adult control values.
These studies suggest that severely premature infants have a phagocytic defect which is independent of plasma opsonic capacity.
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Medici, M., Ukrainski, C. & Gatti, R. NEUTROPHIL FUNCTION IN THE 28–32 WEEK HUMAN NEONATE. Pediatr Res 11, 490 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00723
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00723
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