Maxillary sinusitis. Effects of treatment on the local antibacterial defence.

Low levels of immunoglobulins and complement in purulent antral secretion might jeopardize the local antibacterial defence. To evaluate whether or not antibiotic treatment and antral drainage influence the local content of immunoglobulins and complement, samples of secretion were analysed both prior to drainage and 1-2 days after drainage. In those patients requiring repeated drainage for their recovery, the local concentration of IgA and IgG was significantly lower in the secretion obtained prior to drainage than the local concentration found in patients who recovered after the initial drainage. It was also demonstrated that after drainage, the level of IgA, IgG and the complement factors C3 and C4 increased significantly, whereas the proteolytic activity in the secretion usually decreased.