Evaluation of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA and Complement Components C3 and C4 Levels in Iraqi full term Neonates with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background and aim: Hyperbilirubinemia is an elevation of the bilirubin levels in blood of newborn babies
that presented as jaundice. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of important of immunological system
proteins (IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C4) in both newborn babies with severe hyperbilirubinemia and healthy
controls.
Methods: Thirty (30) full-term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin >20 mg/dl) and
twenty five (25) healthy control full-term neonates were included in the study. Blood samples taken and Hb,
total serum bilirubin, total protein measured immediately by spectrophotometer. IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C4
measured by immune-nephelometric method.
Results: In hyperbilirubinemia group (Male/ Female percentages) were (63% / 37%), (IgG 373.4±218 mg/
dl),( IgM 20.5 ± 24.03 mg/dl), and (C3 209.4±17.81 mg/d)l values were significantly lower than control
group ( 588.2±298.5 mg/dl IgG, 26.44 ± 2.92 mg/dl IgM and 627.5±221.1 mg/dl for C3). Correlation
analysis revealed that in control group IgG, IgM, and C3 shown to be significantly (P value <0.05) and
positively correlated (r-value > 3) with both age and weight.
Conclusions: jaundice is a risk factor for sepsis that could be due to lower levels of immunoglobulins and
complements components. The normal development of immune system that observed with increasing age
and weight was impaired in patients with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.