Serum Protein Pattern in Infants with Nutritional Disorders

Abstract

The serum protein pattern in 20 normal infants and in 47 infants with nutritional disturbances was examined by paper electrophoresis. The albumin fraction was significantly lower than normal in all the infants who had failed to thrive regardless of the aetiology of their condition. The alpha and gamma globulins tended to be higher than normal, the beta globulin and total protein showed no change. The group of infants with chronic diarrhea showed the most pronounced changes in the protein pattern and also the most severe loss of weight. This group also had the most marked depression of pancreatic function but no definite correlation between serum albumin, percentage of expected weight or titre of duodenal . trypsin could be established. The serum protein pattern is of no help in specific diagnosis in infants who fail to thrive, the changes being non-specific.