Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(6): 413-415
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994510
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Immunologic Evaluation of a Neonate Born to an Immunosuppressed Kidney Transplant Recipient

Askin Ersay, Nihal Oygür, Mesut Coskun, Gültekin Süleymanlar, Bilal Trak, Olcay Yeğin
  • Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Nephrology, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

There are only a few reports about immunologic evaluation of neonates who have been exposed to immunosuppressive drugs during fetal life. We followed up immunoglobulins, T, B and natural killer (NK) cell levels in an infant of a kidney transplant recipient who has been exposed to cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone during his fetal life. B-cell percentage, absolute counts, and immunoglobulin levels were normal at birth, but IgG value was lower than our normal controls at 3 months and low normal at 6 months of age. Serum IgM levels were normal in all determinations, but IgA levels were lower than the control values during the follow-up period. B cell percentage and absolute counts were higher than the control values at 3 and 6 months. T-cell subpopulations were normal except for CD4+/CD8+ ratios that stayed high normal due to increased CD4+ cells. CD16+ (NK cells) absolute counts and percentages were below normal at birth and at 3 months. Clinically, increased susceptibility to infection was not observed during the follow-up period. More immunologic studies are needed on possible effects of in utero exposure to cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone.