Blood-transfusion in group-B streptococcal sepsis.
Transfusion of fresh whole blood was evaluated as a means of supplying opsonins and lessening the high mortality of group-B streptococcal sepsis in neonates. Pre-transfusion and post-transfusion sera from 22 infants were examined for the presence of opsonins against group-B organisms. Opsonic activity rose only when donor blood containing heat-stable antibody was administered in high volume (greater than 40% of blood-volume). 9 of 9 infants transfused with blood containing antibody to their infecting strain survived septic episodes. 3 of 6 who received blood lacking antibody to their infecting strain died.
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality; D009895:Opsonin Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000276:immunology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D009895:Opsonin Proteins