[Changes in immunoglobulin levels following adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy].
BACKGROUND
Lymphoid tissue from Waldeyer's ring produces all types of immunoglobulins, mainly G and A, and between 4 to 10 years, of age. In other words, the age in which the adenoid and tonsillar surgery is carried out. Our study tries to analyze the impact of the tonsillar surgery on the serum levels of immunoglobulins.


METHODS
We present a prospective study with 89 healthy children aged between 4 to 10 years. Immunoglobulin G, A and M levels were measured preoperatively, at a month and at four months after adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy.


RESULTS
Serum IgG levels dropped after surgery, but partially recovered four months later. IgA dropped less significantly and IgM did not change its levels. No one of the studied inmunoglobulins dropped below the normal serum levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Adenoid and tonsilar surgery cause a fall of postoperative immunoglobulin G and A serum levels, partially recovering after four months. Serum levels never dropped below normal levels, and of the studied children suffered a postoperative disease due to immunodeficiency.
Amorós Sebastiá
L I
LI
Servicio ORL, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia. luisigamoros@hotmail.com
Ferrer Ramírez
M J
MJ
López Mollá
C
C
Carrasco Llatas
M
M
Plá Mochilí
A
A
Díaz Ruiz
M
M
Estellés Ferriol
J E
JE
López Martínez
R
R
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M