Influence of exchange transfusion on the development of serum immunoglobulins.

Thirteen neonates with severe jaundice of various etiologies were followed after exchange transfusion for a period of one year. Blood levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured before and after exchange transfusion, four and ten days later, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Normal and jaundiced but not exchange-transfused infants, matched for age, were used as control subjects. It was concluded that exchange transfusion suppresses the production of autologous IgG and IgA, whereas it provokes IgM synthesis.