Immune status of the neonate maintained on total parenteral nutrition.

Immunological studies were carried out on 7 neonates maintained on total parenteral nutrition for periods ranging from 14 to 31 days after surgery for correction of gastrointestinal anomalies. IgM and IgA levels were high in all patients but IgG levels were low, compared with normal values. Total leucocyte counts, absolute lymphocyte counts, and T- and B-lymphocytes in all patients were similar to those of healthy controls. Neonates maintained on adequate total parenteral nutrition showed no evidence of impairment of immune function.