ABSTRACT
Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, M and A were determined at 3-monthly intervals during the first year of life in 35 healthy Nigerian infants. The neonatal IgG values were high, but dropped rapidly by 3 months to about 37% of the neonatal value, and thereafter rose steadily. The neonatal IgM values dropped slightly (10%) by 3 months and then rose steadily to reach a level above the neonatal value after 1 year. IgA was not detected in most of the children during the neonatal period, but where it was detected and was measurable, the values were very low and then rose steadily until the age of 1 year. There was a suggestion that the pattern of immunoglobulin in infancy might be influenced by the level of maternal education.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin A/analysis , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Immunoglobulin M/analysis , Infant, Newborn/blood , Educational Status , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Mothers , Nigeria , Sex CharacteristicsABSTRACT
Serum immunoglobulins G, M and A levels were studied in 187 Nigerian neonates. Estimations were done by the radial immunodifusion method of Mancini. Immunoglobulin G shows a fall in value in the first few days of life to about 62% of the value in the last days of the neonatal period. There is however a gradual increase in the level of IgM to about double at the end of the neonatal period. IgA level remained relatively constantly low throughout this period. The effect of maternal education on the levels of immunoglobulins of their neonates was also investigated. This had a positive influence at the secondary educational level, affecting only the IgG and IgA.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin A/analysis , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Immunoglobulin M/analysis , Infant, Newborn/blood , Educational Status , Humans , Immunodiffusion , Mothers/education , Nigeria , Reference Standards , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The case histories of five children with diabetes mellitus have been analysed and socio-cultural problems affecting management examined. Difficult family situations have been highlighted and their effects discussed. Suggestions have been made on how such negative factors can be detected early and/or averted particularly by making use of Home Visitors trained on the job. It is concluded that juvenile diabetes can be managed successfully in our community provided the patients and their parents or guardians are willing to participate actively in the management of the disorder and are given necessary physical, emotional and sometime economic support on a continuous basis.
