Immunofluorescence in Group B Streptococcal Infection and Idiopathic Respiratory Distress Syndrome

[摘要] Immunofluorescence was perfornued on lungtissue obtained at necropsy from 18 newborn infants, including five with group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis, seven with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrolne (IRDS), and six control infants who died from other causes. Deposits of C3, IgG, and fibrin were found within hyaline membranes of infants who died with GBS sepsis or IRDS within 48 hours after birth. In some cases, C4, factor B, and IgM were also observed. In five infants with IRDS who died more than five days after birth, immunofluorescent lung findings were less common and less intense. Hyaline membranes, attributed to mechanical ventilators and oxygen therapy in two infants who did not have GBS infection or IRDS, were negative for complement and immunoglobulimis although fibrin was detected in one specimen. These data suggest that immunologic processes may contribute to the pathogenesis of certain types of acute lung injury, particularly in infants who die from GBS infection or IRDS during the early neonatal period.

[学科分类] 儿科学