Evaluation of the effect of mode and duration of labor on maternofetal transfer of IgG at term in Indian mothers

Abstract

Paired maternal and cord serum IgG, IgA, and IgM were estimated in 100 full term normal birth weight neonates and their mothers delivered either per vaginum, by elective Caesarian section or by emergency Caesarian section. Neonates delivered per vaginum revealed significantly higher cord serum IgG levels (1168 ± 153 mg%, p<0.001) as compared to those delivered by emergency Caesarian section (956.25 ± 192.20) or elective Caesarian section (971.00 ± 245.12 mg%). Each group was further analyzed according to the duration of labor into those delivering in 10 hours or less, 11-20 hours, 21-30 hours, and more than 30 hours. The data revealed that labor of more than 20 hours significantly contributed to the materno-fetal transfer of IgG resulting in a lessening of the difference in cord serum IgG of neonates delivered per vaginum and by emergency Caesarian section. In the emergency Caesarian section group, patients delivering after 30 hours of labor had significantly higher levels of IgG (1050.00 ± 108.00 mg%) than the group delivering within 10 hours (880.77 ± 146.54 mg%). It appears that primarily the maternofetal transfer of IgG is modulated by the route of delivery but later uterine contractions may also contribute to it significantly.