[Determination of various fractions of complement (Cl, C3c, C3a, C4) in a population of healthy neonates]

Abstract

The authors have studied plasma levels of various complement fractions (C1,C3c,C3att.,C4) in 127 newborns. Referring to gestation period the studied subjects were divided as follows: 25 newborns (less than 37 weeks), 78 newborns (37-41 weeks), 21 newborns (more then 41 weeks). The mean values of various fractions results higher in the newborns with higher gestation period. Considering the gestational ages, the mean values obtained for each complement fraction are not different from those considered "normals". The range of single value turned out very wide. This fact should lead to prudence in the diagnostic valuation.