[Evaluation of antimicrobial system of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and opsonic activity in patients with congenital biliary atresia].

Postoperative ascending cholangitis (AC) is a serious problem in patients with biliary atresia (BA). It was reported that this complication was due to impaired functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). We investigated the oxygen-dependent bactericidal activities including the ability to generate O2-, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and opsonic activity using chemiluminescence method. The serum complement level and fibronectin level were also examined. O2- generating ability was 30.7 +/- 4.5 x 10(4) counts/min (cpm) in BA and 37.4 +/- 4.4 x 10(4) cpm in controls (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference in serum C4 between these two groups. No difference was found in opsonic activity, MPO activity, C3A, C3 and fibronectin. The O2- generating ability of the PMNs in BA was decreased but the opsonic and MPO activity were not depressed. From these results it is suggested that the frequent occurrence of AC in BA is not caused by low opsonic activity but may be associated with decreased O2- generation. Because of low C4 concentration, activation of classical pathway may also be impaired in BA.