Complement components in neonatal sepsis.

Abstract

Complement components C3, C1q, factor B and breakdown products of C3, i.e. C3c and C3d, were evaluated in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis in 24 neonates with proven sepsis. The complement components were measured by electroimmunodiffusion and breakdown products by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). The babies with sepsis were found to have decreased levels of C1q and factor B as compared with suitably matched healthy controls. No statistically significant depression was observed in C3 levels of infected babies. However, breakdown products of C3, i.e. C3c and C3d, were detected in 58.3% of these babies. The breakdown products of C3 were not present in any of the healthy controls. The degree of depression of complement components was of no prognostic significance in neonatal sepsis.