Serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were found to be either normal or elevated in PCM patients, with no relation to the degree of protein-calorie depletion, the percentage of white cells and plasmocytoid lymphocytes in peripheral blood, or the prognosis. The IgG rose in a child developing mumps even though his diet was only sufficient for nitrogen equilibrium. These results still do not elucidate the discrepancy that exists between elevated immunoglobulin fractions and the high mortality rate asso ciated with the presence of infection in protein-calorie malnutrition.
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