Quantitative determination of single serum proteins during acute hepatitis in childhood.

Fifteen serum proteins were estimated by linear immunodiffusion in blood samples from children with acute hepatitis. Blood was drawn at the beginning of the disease and three weeks later. The results were compared with results obtained from a group of age-matched normal children. At the beginning of the disease prealbumin and beta-2-glycoprotein I were depressed, whereas alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, cerloplasmin and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein were found to be elevated. Alpha-2-macroglobulin, transferrin and beta-lipoprotein showed a significant elevation after three weeks. Beta-1-A/C, IgM and IgG remain elevated during time of observation. Albumin, haptoglobin and IgA were similar in patients and controls and did not change during the period of observation.