Time-course changes of serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) after liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis.
BACKGROUND
Serum immunoglubulin increase is a hallmark of liver disease. Serum IgA is specifically increased in alcoholic liver disease, which has been considered an IgA-associated disorder. No previous studies have been focused on the time-course changes of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) after liver transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the outcome of serum immunoglobulin levels in alcoholic cirrhosis after liver transplantation, with special focus on IgA values.


METHODS
A total of 18 patients, liver transplanted in our center because of alcoholic cirrhosis were included in the study. Serum immunoglobulins were assayed by nephelometry before transplantation and at different intervals after the procedure from the intraoperative period to more than a year after transplantation.


RESULTS
A rapid drop in IgA, IgG and IgM concentration was observed during the surgical procedure, particularly after donor liver reperfusion, and during the first days after transplantation. Mild transient hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG) was present. After a subsequent moderate re-increase, serum immunoglobulins (particularly IgA and IgG) remained stable within normal or near-normal limits during the following months after liver transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis is followed by a decrease in serum IgA, IgG and IgM. In the short term, low IgG levels may be observed. In the long term, serum levels of IgA and IgG become normal or near-normal.
Department of Medicine, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Santiago, Spain. mearturo@usc.es
Arturo
A
González-Quintela
Santiago
S
López-Ben
Luis Fernando
LF
Pérez
Begoña
B
Graña
María
M
Varela
Santiago
S
Tomé
Evaristo
E
Varo
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000097:blood / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M