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Leucocyte Function in Protein Deficiency States


J Wolfsdorf
R Nolan

Abstract

Seventy-five patients, comprising 3 groups of 25 normal infants (group I), 25 infants suffering from protein energy malnutrition (PEM-kwashiorkor) (group 11) and 25 infants with PEM plus infection (group Ill) were .axamined, with particular reference to their total leucocyte count and the response of their white cells to incubation with nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), with and without latex particle stimulation. No difference in leucocyte counts could be demonstrated between the groups; however, both groups of malnourished patients (groups ll and lll) had elevated NBT levels, although no difference could be detected between those malnourished infants with and without clinical or laboratory evidence of infection, or both. The data indicate that although primarily protein-deficient malnourished patients have a quantitative deficiency in leucocyte response, qualitative leucocyte function may be normal. 

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 528 (1974)

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574