Treatment of IgA deficiency in liver transplant recipients with human breast milk

Abstract

IgA deficiency is associated with high mortality (42% at 120 days) following liver transplantation (OLTx). Most of the mortality has been associated with enteric infections. Mother's milk, or human breast milk (HBM), is a rich source of IgA that is considered to have beneficial effects in terms of protection from microbial translocation and enteric infections. Two IgA-deficient OLTx recipients were given HBM orally for 10 days perioperatively. HBM was given in order to replenish intestinal IgA. Both patients had an excellent infection-free post-operative course. IgA levels in the serum rose from 5 to 10 mg/dl in one patient and from 7 to 30 mg/dl in the other. No complications from HBM administration were observed. We conclude that HBM can be used in IgA-deficient liver transplant recipients to reduce the risk of infectious complications in the post-operative period.