SERUM γG-GLOBULIN LEVELS AND GESTATIONAL AGE IN PREMATURE BABIES

Abstract
Immunoglobulin levels were measured in an unselected group of one hundred and six premature infants during the first week of life. There is a linear relation between the logarithm of the initial level of γG-globulin and gestational age. In infants of 32 weeks' gestation or less, levels are likely to fall below the Medical Research Council safety limit of 100 mg. per 100 ml. at some time during the first 6 months of extrauterine life. Giving exogenous γ-globulin to infants of less than 33 weeks' gestational age appears to provide some protection against infection.