Gamma globulin improves pulmonary function and increases C3 and C4 serum levels of septic children in pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Purpose: To probe into the effects of gamma globulin on the pulmonary functions, and C3 and C4 serum levels of septic children in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Sixty-seven children with sepsis were retrospectively analyzed and assigned into study group (SG, n = 36) and control group (CG, n = 31) based on treatment modalities. The children in CG received conventional sepsis treatment, while children in SG were treated with gamma globulin. Differences in pulmonary function as well as C3 and C4 serum levels were compared in both groups before and after treatment. Children in SG were assigned into mild group (n = 21) and severe group (n = 15) in based on the severity of their conditions. Results: After treatment, SG showed higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) than CG (p < 0.05). SG also showed higher C3 and C4 serum levels than CG after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Administration of gamma globulin to children in PICU significantly improves lung function and increases their serum C3 and C4 levels. C3 and C4 serum levels of septic children in PICU correlate with prognosis. Hence, C3 and C4 can be regarded as indicators for the diagnosis, evaluation and prognosis of septic children in PICU.