Efficacy Of The Transfer Factor In The Severely Infected Pediatric Patient

Authors: Ayala-De La Cruz M.C (1) , Rodríguez-Padilla C. (2) And Tamez-Guerra, R (2).

Institution: (1) Inmunoalergías Y Laboratorio De Patología, Hospital De Especialidades No. 25 Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico (2) Laboratorio De Inmunología Y Virología, Facultad De Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma De Nuevo León, San Nicolas De Los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico

Abstract:

Patients. This is a retrospective study of 45 patients treated from 1986 to 1998. These children were 3 to 16 years of age with an average of 4.2 years, severely infective and non-responsive to conventional treatment. Some had multiple infections. Twenty eight were girls, and 17 boys. They had: pneumonia (32 cases), gastrointestinal infections (8), repetitive urinary tract infections (12), vulvovaginitis (3), skin infections (11), herpes simplex I and II (5), osteomyelitis (1), undetermined fevers (8), malnutrition grade III (2), IgA deficiency (5), and IgG deficiency (1).

Methods. The patients were evaluated when they had already received conventional medication and their serological studies were available along with appropriate skin tests. The blood and serologic studies included: RBC sedimentation, C reactive protein, antistreptolysinase, febrile reactions, IgA, E,

G & M, C3 & C4 components of complement, T&B lymphocytes, inhibition factor for lymphocytes migration to different antigens like candida, varidase, PPD & coccidiomycoides.

Their unfavorable response rapidly developed to gravity. The quantification of T lymphocytes was realized with a control. And the percent defective cells calculated. The number of doses of the transfer factor programmed depended on percent of defect. It was applied im at 3-24 months. Control studies of the treatment were conducted. The clinical response was highly satisfactory, and all cases except 2 reached remission. These 2 cases had congenital deficiency IgA and IgG continuing with respiratory and digestive problems, but with improved performance.

Conclusions. We consider that the use of the transfer factor in these patients was a most useful application that allowed clinical and serological improvements, abated infections, shortened hospital stay and improved the quality of life.