Oral mucosal immunoglobulins play an important role in the human immune system as a first-line defense against viral and bacterial infection. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), IgD and the free secretory component (FSC) can be determined in the first days of life; however, it is yet unknown which events influence the local synthesis of the immunoglobulins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM) within a period of 24 h on the synthesis of oral mucosal sIgA, IgD, FSC and albumin of neonates in their first day of life. Comparison of 35 neonates with a history of PROM with a control group of 44 term neonates revealed no significant differences neither with respect to sIgA, IgD, FSC nor to albumin. The results indicate that PROM within a period of 24 h does not significantly increase the synthesis of oral mucosal immunoglobulins in neonates in the first day of life.
Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel