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  • Original Article
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Age-related Low Expression of HLA-DR Molecules on Monocytes of Term and Preterm Newborns With and Without Signs of Infection

Journal of Perinatology volume 23, pages 294–299 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Presentation of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) molecules is an important part of an efficient immune response. Since bacterial infections are more common in newborns, we hypothesized that the level of HLA-DR expression may influence the host defense system.

STUDY DESIGN: HLA-DR expression on monocytes was examined by flow cytometry during the first week of life of term and preterm neonates with and without signs of infection and of adults.

RESULTS: HLA-DR expression of term and preterm newborns with or without signs of infection was lower compared with adults during the first day of life (p<0.0001). Prematurity correlates with lower expression in neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks (p=0.0008). HLA-DR expression in neonates with signs of infection was decreased compared to healthy neonates (p=0.0196). Maternal conditions such as preeclampsia, prenatal treatment with steroids and mode of delivery had no influence on the expression of HLA-DR. In contrast, newborns with respiratory distress syndrome but without signs of infection showed reduced HLA-DR expression (p=0.0370).

CONCLUSION: Low HLA-DR expression on monocytes contributes to impaired neonatal host defense, especially in preterm neonates.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to A. Bugert and K. Hartmann for technical assistance, to the staff and patients of the neonatal care unit of the University Children's Hospital Mannheim for their cooperation.

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Author notes

  1. C Thomas Nebe

    Present address: Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Theodor-Kutzer–Ufer1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany

  2. Peter Gessler: Dr. Med. Peter Gessler, Department of Pediatric Intensive Care & Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH 8032 Zürich, Switzerland.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Theodor-Kutzer–Ufer 1–3, Mannheim, Germany

    Alexandra Birle & Peter Gessler

  2. Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Theodor-Kutzer–Ufer 1-3, Mannheim, 68167, Germany

    C Thomas Nebe

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  1. Alexandra Birle
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Additional information

The study was supported in part by a grant (Ge 39-1993, 40-1994) from Fakultaet fuer Klinische Medizin Mannheim, Universitaet Heidelberg.

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Birle, A., Nebe, C. & Gessler, P. Age-related Low Expression of HLA-DR Molecules on Monocytes of Term and Preterm Newborns With and Without Signs of Infection. J Perinatol 23, 294–299 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7210906

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