Serum immunoglobulins and secretory IgA deficiency in tonsillectomized children.

We studied serum immunoglobulin patterns in 65 children aged 2 to 10 years before and 1 to 4 months after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and secretory IgA (sIgA) levels in 46 children aged 3 to 10 years before and 1 month after the same operation. Serum immunoglobulin and sIgA values were normal prior to surgery, and significantly lower afterwards. The data emphasize the importance of palatine tonsils not only in the synthesis of monomeric immunoglobulins but also in the synthesis of dimeric immunoglobulins in secretions. Although more long-term, follow-up studies supporting our results are needed, we suggest that a post-adenotonsillectomy drop in immunoglobulin and sIgA levels may predispose children to a constellation of disorders. We recommend, therefore, that serum immunoglobulins and sIgA levels be determined in all children before and after surgery.