Dextran-reactive antibodies in children. Appearance during the first 4 years of life and relation to E. coli infections in the urinary tract.

The appearance of dextran-reactive antibodies (DRA) was investigated in 88 children with sampling of serum at birth (n = 87), at 3 months of age (n = 87), at 8 months (n = 88), at 2 years (n = 86) and at 4 1/2 years of age (n = 87). Serum DRA appeared at 3 months of age and a peak level exceeding the levels in adults was noted at 8 months of age. At 4 1/2 years the titres were close to those in adults. Investigation of DRA in 8 children with acute pyelonephritis and in 8 children with asymptomatic bacteriuria caused by E. coli did not indicate that the appearance of DRA was a consequence of Gram-negative infections. The practical conclusion drawn is that if therapy with i.v. dextran is considered for infants or children, they should undergo preventive therapy with hapten dextran similar to the procedure recommended for adults.