Serum Thymic Hormone Activity and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Neonates, Preterm Infants, and Small-for-Gestational Age Infants

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Abstract
Groups of healthy, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) inants were studied at birth, 1 mo., 3 mo. and 12 mo. of age. Serum thymic hormone (TH) activity was assayed, the T lymphocyte number in the peripheral blood was counted, and in vitro lymphocyte stimulation responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were evaluated. TH activity was decreased in 1-mo. old SGA infants. T cells were reduced in all low birth weight [LBW] infants; the number reverted to normal by 3 mo. of age in preterm AGA infants, whereas it remained low for at least 12 mo. in the SGA group. Lymphocyte stimulation response was decreased in LBW infants; the extent of depression paralleled reduction in T lymphocyte number. Apparently cell-mediated immunity is impaired in LBW-newborns and reduced TH activity may be one of the pathogenetic factors involved. Persistent depression of immunocompetence may underlie the increased susceptiblity of SGA infants to infection-related morbidity and mortality.

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