Establishment of normal reference ranges for IgG, IgM in the Saudi population using rate nephelometry

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on 1137 healthy male and female Saudis of different age groups to establish normal reference ranges for immunoglobulins [IgG, IgM and IgA]. The ranges were established using mean +/- 2SD and 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles. Immunoglobulin levels were estimated using rate nephelometry and a close correlation was found between the results obtained by rate nephelometry and radial immunodiffusion. A positive correlation was obtained between levels of IgG, IgM and IgA with age. Furthermore, significant differences related to sex were encountered. Both IgG and IgM levels were significantly higher in the females compared to the male population. However, IgA did not show any difference. Comparison of the results, with those reported in the literature showed several marked differences. In this paper the normal reference ranges for IgG, IgA and IgM in healthy male and female Saudis are presented and the results are compared with those reported in literature