Immunoglobulin classes, complement factors and circulating immune complexes in chronic sinusitis patients

Abstract

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA and IgM), complement factor B (FB), 4th complement factor (C4) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined in 34 Nigerians with chronic sinusitis and 37 apparently healthy age and sex matched controls by single radial immunodiffusion and polyethylene glycol precipitation methods, respectively. T h e mean serum IgG, IgA, C4, FB and CIC were significantly reduced in chronic sinusitis patients compare d with the controls. The mean serum levels of IgG, IgM, C4 and FB were higher in male chronic sinusitis patients compare d with female patients. In contrast the mean serum level of IgA w a s significantly reduced in chronic sinusitis patients. Only IgG and IgA showed significant correlation with the duration of chronic sinusitis. These findings in Nigerian patients suggest immuno-deficiency as one of the cause s o f chronic sinusitis in Nigerians, therefore routine scrum immunoglobulin evaluation is recommended and if found deficient immunoglobulin replacement therapy is advocated for the treatment of such chronic sinusitis.